JOURNEY

For nearly 45 years, Carmel Fire Department Division Chief John Moriarty has responded to emergencies. But on his 66th birthday, the veteran firefighter found himself in need of help.

What felt like severe heartburn intensified into chest tightness "like a vise." At his wife Lori Ann's urging, Moriarty went to Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center, where an ECG confirmed he was having a heart attack.

At the Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center, Moriarty witnessed his care team move with rapid, coordinated precision while maintaining a compassionate, human touch. As physicians rushed him into treatment, a nurse stayed beside Lori Ann, explaining each step.

"The level of care we received was incredible," Moriarty recalled.

Cardiologist Dr. Ezequiel Munoz credits Lori Ann's quick thinking and the team's rapid response for Moriarty's positive outcome. He returned to full duty just one week later.

Today, Moriarty shares his story to remind others not to ignore warning signs such as chest burning, paleness or unusual pressure.

JOURNEY

At 23 weeks gestation, Drew was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a complex heart condition that affects how blood flows through the heart. The diagnosis included a severely narrowed aorta and a leaking heart valve. At five weeks old, he received a breathing tube and a feeding tube to support his care for chronic lung disease and asthma. Drew has undergone three open-heart surgeries. Today, Drew is thriving and loves watching football, golf and fishing. His story is one of hope, strength and the importance of personalized heart care for children with complex medical needs.

JOURNEY

Gabriel was a high school senior and athlete with his whole future ahead of him when a car accident changed his life in an instant. As the vehicle rolled down a ravine, Gabriel's severely fractured ribs caused significant internal bleeding and life-threatening injuries. Thanks to the quick action of emergency responders, his specialty care teams, and lifesaving blood transfusions, Gabriel survived—receiving an astonishing 596 blood products during his 60-day hospital stay. Through determination and countless hours of rehabilitation, Gabriel fought his way back. Today, he once again has his whole future ahead. He continues to enjoy working out, leaning on his strong faith in God, and his love for the game of football—a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the extraordinary impact of blood donors. Today, Gabriel shares his story to thank blood donors and promote blood drives.

JOURNEY

After more than 30 years of caring for others, Emergency Room physician Dr. Stephen Kemker found himself on the other side of care when a genetic condition led to heart failure. During a major snowstorm, a donor heart became available. Despite whiteout conditions, teams worked together, including snowplows, to get the heart to the hospital in time. Dr. Kemker received his transplant in December and returned home in January. The transplant gave Dr. Kemker a second chance at life, a powerful new perspective on what it means to be a patient and a voice to advocate for organ donation.

JOURNEY

On Christmas morning, Kennedi suffered a traumatic brain injury while riding her new e-bike. She spent 15 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where she underwent surgery to relieve brain swelling, followed by a second surgery to secure her skull. Throughout her recovery, Kennedi remained positive through intubation, feeding tubes and additional procedures, forming lasting bonds with her care team. Today, Kennedi enjoys playing soccer and sharing her story to promote the importance of e-bike safety gear.

JOURNEY

Colton was diagnosed with cancer at age 6 and has undergone nearly 30 spinal taps and two years of chemotherapy. Throughout his journey, Colton faced every challenge with a positive attitude and an inspiring determination to overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead. Colton is now cancer free and enjoys playing baseball, fishing and spending time with his friends and family.

JOURNEY

Emerson has a rare disorder known as brittle bone disease and has overcome more than 250 broken bones and 22 surgeries. The surgeries have reduced the frequency and severity of bone fractures and have improved his overall quality of life. Today, Emerson enjoys spending time with his cats and dogs. He also loves watching football, basketball, and hockey; going to concerts; playing video games; and building with Legos and coding. He hopes to have a career in computer programming someday.

JOURNEY

Amylia has been a fighter since the very beginning. Born with a condition that affected the development of her outer ear, she experienced early hearing loss and has also been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, asthma and developmental delays. But none of these define who she is. This year, Amylia received a hearing implant, opening up a whole new world for her and marking a life-changing milestone. Today, Amylia enjoys cheer, basketball and participating in pageants. Her confidence, kindness and determination continue to inspire everyone around her.

JOURNEY

Carter has faced some big challenges for a 13-year-old, including struggles with anxiety and emotional health.

When things started to feel especially heavy, he got professional help through a program at the Ascension St. Vincent Stress Center. With therapy, support, and healthy coping tools, Carter has made incredible progress and is growing more confident every day.

Now, he hopes his story encourages other kids who may be struggling with their mental health. He wants them to know it's okay to ask for help, treatment can make a difference, and no one has to go through it alone.

JOURNEY

Cora was admitted to Peyton Manning Children's Hospital three times as her health declined due to a serious illness involving pneumonia. By her third hospital stay, she could no longer walk, talk or respond to those around her. With support from her doctors, nurses and therapy teams, Cora gradually regained her strength and abilities. Today, she has made a full recovery and is back to doing what she loves — playing sports, going to school and spending time with family and friends.

JOURNEY

Jackson was diagnosed before birth with a lower urinary tract obstruction that severely impacted his kidneys. Born at 36 weeks, he spent 71 days in the NICU and PICU, requiring breathing support, surgery to repair the blockage and dialysis to help his body function. After going home, Jackson continued dialysis for more than two years while waiting for a kidney transplant. When his mom was no longer able to donate, his family explored every option and found a match through a paired exchange program. In 2022, Jackson received a life-changing kidney transplant. Today, his kidney is doing well, and his quality of life has been transformed. Now, Jackson enjoys singing on his karaoke machine, building blocks, playing soccer, and swimming.

JOURNEY

At one year old, Cami was diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that changed the course of her childhood. At age 7, after multiple surgeries, she made the courageous decision to undergo an above-the-knee amputation. Three months later, Cami was walking with her first prosthetic leg and she never looked back. Today, she's a varsity volleyball player, a gold medalist with Team USA at the Youth ParaPanAm Games, and was named both MVP and Best Attacker. Now, she's training with one goal in mind: representing the United States in the Paralympic Games.

JOURNEY

Walker was 3 years old when a lump in his abdomen and blood in his urine led to scans, tests, emergency surgery and diagnosis of an aggressive kidney cancer. After surgery, he underwent 14 cycles of chemotherapy and two weeks of radiation. Through it all, Walker showed incredible strength and resilience, often arriving dressed as Spider-Man. He recently celebrated his last treatment and rang the bell. Today, Walker continues physical and occupational therapy and stays closely connected with his oncology team, moving forward with determination. He loves Spider-Man, football and Zombies.

JOURNEY

During a fishing trip with her family, Ava was struck by a dirt bike, collapsed and taken to the hospital. The three months that followed were spent in a full leg cast to rebuild her femur and filled with physical therapy, such as swimming. Ava regained her strength and now walks without the assistance of her walker to enjoy cheerleading, basketball, fishing, painting and singing.

JOURNEY

Amylia has been a fighter since the very beginning. Born with a condition that affected the development of her outer ear, she experienced early hearing loss and has also been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, asthma and developmental delays. But none of these define who she is. This year, Amylia received a hearing implant, opening up a whole new world for her and marking a life-changing milestone. Today, Amylia enjoys cheer, basketball and participating in pageants. Her confidence, kindness and determination continue to inspire everyone around her.

JOURNEY

Ian and his twin brother, Ivan, were born prematurely and later diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. After experiencing a stroke as a toddler, Ian underwent two brain surgeries and a bone marrow transplant that cured his sickle cell disease. Ian also lives with hearing loss and wears hearing aids. When his brother, Ivan, later developed leukemia, Ian stayed by his side until Ivan passed away in 2024. Today, Ian is doing well while managing asthma, ADHD, and executive function challenges. Shaped by everything he and Ivan experienced, he dreams of inventing new ways to help children facing medical and physical challenges.