Care Close to Home, When it Matters Most

Geralyn and Bill Voosen

When Bill Voosen and his wife Geralyn moved to the Central Coast, they came for the community. In 2022, that community's hospital helped save his life.

During a Sunday walk, Bill made it about 50 feet before bending over, gasping for air. When it happened again, the couple went straight to the Emergency Department at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.

Initial tests showed an irregular heart rhythm, but Dr. Margaux Snider kept looking for answers. A blood test revealed markers for clots, and a CT scan uncovered a massive pulmonary embolism, which doctors later rated a 9 to 9.5 in severity on a scale of 10. Dr. Snider arranged Bill's immediate transfer to French Hospital for specialized treatment. She also worked behind the scenes to make sure the team there was ready when he arrived.

Almost exactly three years later, Bill felt unwell at the gym and developed severe chest pain on the drive home. He went back to Arroyo Grande Community Hospital's ER, where a blood test confirmed a heart attack. He was rushed to French Hospital for an angiogram and a stent, and his attending physician there was Dr. Snider.

"If it weren't for Dr. Snider, AG Hospital and the grace of God, I wouldn't be here right now," says Bill, who calls her his "guardian angel."

Bill's story shows why you should go to the nearest ER in an emergency. Every minute counts. Your local emergency team can diagnose you, stabilize you and, when needed, coordinate a fast transfer to specialized care.

The Foundation's Excellence Campaign is bringing advanced imaging technology and new private patient rooms to the hospital. Every gift helps keep exceptional care close to home for the next patient, when it matters most.