Des Plaines heart attack survivor, 35, honored by Chicago Bulls and Advocate

This American Heart Month, and just in time for Valentine’s Day, Advocate Health Care and the Chicago Bulls proudly came together for the fifth year to celebrate heart patients and champion heart health at the annual Hoops + Hearts game.

On Saturday, 10 inspiring heart patients from across the Chicago area, along with their loved ones and Advocate Health Care physicians, joined the Bulls for an unforgettable evening featuring a special pre-game dinner, talk from Bulls legend Toni Kukoc, their own custom jerseys and recognition during the matchup against the Denver Nuggets.

Des Plaines resident and 35-year-old heart attack survivor Shawn Abraham served as honorary captain for the game and his interventional cardiologist, Dr. Adib Chaus presented the ball during the game.

Shawn had done this treadmill run countless times; late evening, the house quiet, his wife and seven-month-old daughter asleep upstairs. But that June night, as he watched his heart rate climb instead of fall, something inside him said this was different. His chest pounded. His breath tightened. He lowered himself to the floor and called his wife.

Seconds later, he was unconscious.

His wife rushed in and immediately began CPR. A police officer continued it. Their hands, their training, their instincts, those were the first links in the chain that kept Shawn alive.

At just 34 with no history of heart disease, Shawn was rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, where doctors discovered a 99% blockage in his left anterior descending artery, also known as the “widow maker.” Teams from across the hospital, including nurses, support staff, and physicians from many specialties such as emergency medicine, cardiology, critical care, vascular surgery, thoracic surgery, cardiac surgery, and internal medicine worked together through our ECMO and shock team to provide life-saving care.

He received a stent and a temporary heart pump. He spent four days unconscious and 12 days in the hospital before heading home.

Today, his heart is strong. He’s back to moving, playing sports, even running again, something he once wondered if he’d ever do.

“Shawn’s recovery reflects the power of early intervention, teamwork, and resilience,” said Dr. Chaus. “Seeing him return to an active life with his family is exactly why we do this work.”

But the greatest gift? Being here to celebrate his daughter’s first birthday.

“I shouldn’t be here,” Shawn said. “Every day feels like a second chance, and I’m grateful for even the smallest things.”