Downers Grove Man's Heart Health Journey Celebrated At Bears Home Opener

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A 73-year-old Downers Grove man got to take the field at the Chicago Bears home opener in celebration his heart health journey.

Pat O’Flaherty was honored during the Sept. 20 game via a partnership between Advocate Health Care and Chicago Bears.

Flaherty, who has received cardiac care from Advocate Health since he had a heart attack in 2011, was joined on the field by his son, Kent.

In the time since his heart attack, Flaherty has gotten a pacemaker and undergone successful cardioversion and cardiac ablation.

He's also traveled the world. Flaherty, a retired dentist who is passionate about photography, has swum with humpback whales in the Dominican Republic and takes frequent missionary trips to aid children.

Flaherty's also got trips to Ireland and Sicily planned.

"I'm not going to live in fear," O’Flaherty said in a statement. "You have to play the cards you're dealt. I dealt with it, took care of it and continue to live my life. I feel grateful that I'm still able to do the things I love. I'd like to do everything I can while I'm able to do it. I'm not letting this stop me."

His cardiac electrophysiologist, Dr. Eric Shulman, said, "Pat approaches every challenge with optimism and determination, and his story is a reminder that with the right care and the right mindset, heart disease doesn't have to stop you from pursuing the things you love.”