Music From The Heart: Sax Player's Rehab Inspires Montclair Hospital

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Whenever Charles Dixon picks up his saxophone, he’s wearing his heart on his sleeve.

After Dixon had a heart attack more than two years ago, the gifted musician was taken to Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, where he found himself wondering: Will I ever play music again?

As anyone who has ever taken to the instrument knows, breathing is a key requisite for success on the sax, and Dixon feared his own breathing ability would suffer after his medical episode. But after his doctor assured him that it could improve – provided he put in the necessary work – Dixon set his mind to the task ahead of him.

Following his discharge from the hospital, Dixon and his doctors developed a care plan for his condition, which included lifestyle changes, medication and rehabilitation with Mountainside’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

He began rehab in November 2020. It wasn’t an easy road to travel, hospital administrators said.

“When Charles first came to us, he had difficulties walking from the entrance to the Cardiac Fitness Center,” said Diane DePadova, clinical supervisor of the ardiac Rehabilitation Department.

While Dixon was in the program, he increased his exercise, started eating healthier, and had an “amazingly positive attitude,” DePadova said.

Dixon completed his program in February 2021 and today, he’s back to playing his saxophone and feeling better than ever.

“When he completed his 36 sessions, he danced his way down the hallway,” DePadova recalled. “He is an inspiration to our patients and our team members.”

Last Valentine’s Day, Charles and his fiancé, Ember Levine, visited the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, where he performed on his sax for team members and current patients.

“I’m feeling really blessed these days,” Dixon said. “I’ve been given a second chance and life, with my future wife, and we are writing a new chapter in our lives.”

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