Jeremiah Harrell to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” with OKC
Bluejacket resident underwent life-saving surgery for a severe spinal infection; Will be recognized prior to Saturday’s OKC Dodgers game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
Jeremiah Harrell is no stranger to a hospital room.
The 48-year-old was born with a genetic heart condition.
He will be honored during the third INTEGRIS Health “Home Run For Life” of the 2022 OKC Dodgers baseball season Saturday, June 25 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. “Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pre-game ceremony.
“All my life growing up, I was in and out of hospitals,” Harrell said.
Harrell was referred to INTEGRIS Health’s cardiology team when he moved to Oklahoma.
As his heart’s condition deteriorated, it was recommended that he receive surgery to implant a left ventricular assistance device (LVAD).
Harrell was initially hesitant but underwent the procedure successfully in December 2021.
His life returned to normal until he started to feel numbness as well as a burning sensation in his neck around Easter earlier this year.
Harrell’s wife Katrina rushed him to INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City where he met with Dr. Pal Randhawa, M.D., with INTEGRIS Spine and Neurological Surgery. The medical team discovered a severe infection that eroded and destabilized his spine, causing it to begin to collapse and damage his spinal cord.
“Had he not come to the hospital that very day, he would have been permanently paralyzed,” Randhawa said.
Harrell underwent emergency surgery. His pre-existing heart conditions required extra precautions to be taken.
A multidisciplinary team comprised of LVAD experts, anesthesia experts, cardiothoracic experts and neurosurgical experts were all present during the surgery in case they needed to respond quickly to any potential complications.
INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center is the only facility in the state offering a full-service advanced heart failure program including teams of board-certified heart failure, LVAD, heart and lung transplant, anesthesia, cardiothoracic and neurosurgical experts together at one facility.
The emergency surgery was successful, and Harrell underwent additional staged surgeries to stabilize his neck.
Harrell, who lives in Bluejacket, Okla., knows his surgeries were no small feat and is incredibly grateful for his caretakers.
“My doctors are amazing,” Harrell said. “They keep a big smile on my face because without them I wouldn’t be walking around now.”
Harrell and his wife have spent their time caring for their 11-month-old granddaughter, Darriana.
He cites both his wife and Darriana as his motivation.
“I couldn’t let them see me give up,” Harrell said. “That really gave me the will to just keep going.”
When Harrell was well enough to be discharged, he teared up thinking about his journey and those that were on it with him.
“I cried when I left because I got to know everybody,” Harrell said.
Harrell is now back to his favorite pastimes, such as fishing and watching sports with Darriana. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’ve got a lot to live for,” he said.
