Charlie & Dottie Minter

Charlie & Dottie Minter

Twenty four hours. For Dottie Minter, those 24 hours represented life or death, but at the time neither she nor her husband Charlie knew a time bomb was ticking within her heart.

Both Minters have been lifelong proponents for healthy living and proper nutrition. They were the co-founders of The Newtown Racquet Club (now known as the NAC), and have always been conscious of the power of exercise. Charlie, a high-profile financial guru whose insights are frequently requested on television business channels, says he relieves the stress of Wall Street with a regular exercise regimen.

Dottie also has been equally committed to an active lifestyle. She maintains a healthy weight, rides horses, plays tennis, and avoids fatty foods. Technically, Charlie and Dottie were perfect examples of two healthy adults, but Dottie’s body began telling her that something was amiss. “I would experience days of a burping attack,” she said. “At first, I adjusted my diet because I thought I had indigestion or ulcers, then I started taking over the counter medication. Nothing helped.”

At Dottie’s insistence, her cardiologist from Comprehensive Cardiology ordered a stress test. That is when the clock began to tick. Dottie passed the stress test, but she still did not feel right. Her physician then ordered an EKG, which she also passed. “My body was telling me that despite the good results from the tests, something was wrong,” Dottie said. “I was insistent that we follow whatever was causing my discomfort.” It was then that her physician decided that a heart catherization was in order.

Charlie admits he thought the procedure would be routine, and Dottie would be relieved of her problem. “I walked into the recovery room signaling the thumbs up sign, and was unnerved when Dottie gave me thumbs down instead,” he said. The doctors determined that Dottie needed by-pass surgery immediately.

Within that 24 hour period, Dottie discovered a miracle at St. Mary Medical Center. “The doctors saved my life, and we are forever grateful for their intervention.” she said. “I want my story to inspire other women to listen to their bodies. We can be candidates for heart attacks, just like men.”

Charlie added, “My wife’s story shows the importance of financial support for St. Mary Medical Center and its services. Dottie represented an emergency situation, but all the necessary elements for saving her life were in place. An expert medical staff, caring nursing personnel and state-of-the-art technology all represent winning arguments for why we became active donors to St. Mary.”

Share This