Some weeks before September 21, I knew something was up with my body. Shoulder pain came first, then some stress like symptoms in chest. Sunday night of 17th I drove to emergency room in Spruce Pine. Three days of tests revealed deeper, more urgent issues. A dramatic flight by helicopter to Asheville Heart at Mission in Asheville, and more tests revealed clogged arteries. Thursday afternoon I got operation, and woke to find not three but four arteries bad, and all four were bypassed. Me?

It happens even though I thought I was doing all “right” things in my life to prevent such.

I recovered quickly and in short time sent home….but without proper care, and soon had to return to Mission to have fluid removed from lungs. I am now in Givens Highland farms in Black Mountain for a few days of rehab.

Humbled by outpouring of support from calls and e-mails prayers and best wishes, know this will be a big expense however. Appreciate any help you can offer. Grateful to you all! Thanks

Jim Smith