You Inspire The Best in Us.

With the many advances in cancer treatment, today’s cancer patients have more and more reasons for hope. Portraits of Hope are the incredible stories of our patients and their journeys of hope and survival. Click on a thumbnail and scroll down to view each story.

  • Heart Rhythm Experts
  • The Vascular Care You Need Now
  • Small Clip = Big Repair
  • Clearing the Fairway
  • Can’t Stop the Music
  • Emergency Cardic Care with Extraordinary Outcomes
  • In the Nick of Time
  • TAVR – A Team Effort
  • Joseph Longo
  • Taking Stroke Care to the Next Level
  • Opening New Doors in Vascular Care
  • A Wake-up Call to Live For Today
  • Life-Saving Friends
  • Journey from Heart Disease to Cancer: A Life Saved
  • A New Treatment For Aneurysm Repair
  • Two Hospitals partner in Stroke Prevention
  • Lorene Godbold
  • Shirley Simon
  • Brenda Kelly
  • Suné Watts
  • Pam Palmer
  • Second Chance at Life
  • Where the Road Leads
  • Walking the Right Path Together
  • Ready for the Next 70 Years
  • Moving in The Right Direction
  • Saving the Life of Captain Howard
  • TCAR A Big Name in Stroke Care
  • Coach Nelson
    Faced with the match of his life, couch Nelson was glad we were on his team
  • Patsy Simmons
    We mended her heart, so she could tend to her garden
  • Mike Cullipher
    Back to the Top of His Game
  • Randy Rouse
    Picture Perfect Recovery
  • Teresa Ward
    A Grateful Heart
  • Paul Winter
    Finding A New Path

Joseph Longo

By Tammy White

(Longs, South Carolina) - Joseph Longo arrived at McLeod Health Seacoast after experiencing left side weakness and speech difficulty. Recognizing the common stroke symptoms, the Emergency Department physician ordered a CT scan and carotid ultrasound. The ultrasound determined Joseph had not experienced a stroke. However, another concern surfaced.

“I suspected trouble when I could not maneuver a spatula while cooking,” said Joseph. “My wife suggested we head to McLeod Health Seacoast as I had just undergone two procedures earlier that week. We wanted to ensure I was recovering well and there were no other health issues.”

Joseph’s test indicated blockages within both of his carotid arteries, medically called bilateral carotid stenosis. McLeod Vascular Surgeon Dr. Joshua Sibille discussed the extent of the blockages with Joseph and the treatment plan he recommended. Dr. Sibille’s primary concern was the likelihood Joseph’s symptoms were showing signs of TIA (transient ischemic attack) or mini-stroke.

Defined as a temporary lack of blood and oxygen going to the brain, a TIA often results from the narrowing of the carotid arteries. TIAs are also signs of an impending stroke. Risk factors include: age (mostly affects individuals 60 years of age or older) as well as patients who have diabetes, experience weakness in extremities, have difficulty with speech or experience a TIA lasting more than ten minutes.

Dr. Sibille recommended a carotid endarterectomy procedure to remove the blockage, or plaque, from the artery starting with the most critical carotid. Eventually both of Joseph’s carotids were repaired with minimal scars to show for it.

“Mr. Longo came to me experiencing stroke-like symptoms,” said Dr. Sibille. “Fortunately, he quickly sought care in the McLeod Health Seacoast Emergency Department as his prognosis could have been life threatening. TIAs are quite common and often overlooked, which can cause irreversible damage if not identified and treated.”

“I have come to McLeod Health Seacoast for various other procedures and tests, and I trust them completely,” added Joseph. “Once I talked with Dr. Sibille about my prognosis, I had full faith in him and his ability. This hospital offers excellent care for this area. There are many specialists in place to handle any type of emergency.”