Hi! My name is Marilyn Sanchez. Kinda feel a little weird starting this GoFundMe for myself. It’s a little humbling. Here’s a little background: In March 2020, I had a left below-knee amputation at Jacobi Hospital, BX, NY. I’m a diabetic and had an ulcer that turned into a septic infection. I was taken into surgery 2 hours after arriving at the ER. I was in the hospital for 2 months, then rehab for 5 months. I learned how to live with a prosthetic leg. I survived mentally, physically, and recovered financially. I continued living and working, doing what I loved with animals.

Thanks to my parents, family & friends.

Fast Track:

On Oct 5, 2025, I was rushed to NY Presbyterian Hospital with chest pain. After blood work and a CT scan, doctors ruled out a blood clot but scheduled me on Wednesday, 10/8, for a Cath Lab procedure. Cardiac enzymes were elevated in my blood, so if I didn’t already have a heart attack, I was near one. After the procedure, I learned that I had 80% blockage in 3 of my coronary arteries. I was in shock and cried for 2 days. I was taken to surgery Friday, 10/10. My surgeon shared the risks, of course, with surgery, but stents weren’t an option. I’m only 48, so I had that on my side. It still didn’t stop the fear that I might have another stroke in surgery or cardiac arrest. I gave my doctors and sister my health directives and put things in GOD’s hands. I had to make peace and tell myself my time is not up yet. I still wanted to live and get past this. I had a bumpy road and was admitted back to Cornell Sunday, 10/26, for 3 AFiB episodes. Dr. Lao’s team found the right combination of medications, and I was discharged Wednesday, 10/29. Now I have a nurse visit me twice a week and physical therapy three times a week. I’m trying to stay positive and know that I’ll get stronger. It will just take time. I wanted to share my story in the most humbling way to ask for any help. I can only be thankful that I have no children and I just need to stay strong until I’m able to return to work. Thank you for reading my story, helping if you can, and sharing. If this can help anyone, heart attacks are silent killers. I was lucky that I received a warning and I’m still here to talk about it. If you’re a diabetic, keep your sugar under control. That’s my biggest fear now is never falling back into unhealthy eating habits, taking my medications, and dropping weight. If you’re having any chest pain or shortness of breath, don’t ignore it. Your loved ones would rather be talking to you than talking about you after you’re gone.

Life is precious!!

Thank you!

Marilyn