Page 11 - HNW Spring Magazine 2024

Getting the Most Uncommon something drastically different or the ankle
issue was going to continue interfering with
Out of Your Surgery, Expert his active lifestyle. Steve suspected he would
need ankle replacement surgery, and this was
Membership Surgeon confirmed by his local physicians. The cartilage

in his left ankle was completely worn down,
resulting in arthritis and bone rubbing on
As President of Healthnetwork Foundation, Steve Kramer and Cindy, his wife of almost bone. Steve read research papers and looked
I enjoy speaking to groups of CEOs about 30 years, had planned a great trip—biking in into the backgrounds of surgeons. He watched
what we do. We are a unique group and Mallorca and traveling through Spain and videos to understand the medical implant
people often struggle to define us. Are we Portugal. It should have been a lovely time device options.
a charity? Are we a referral service? Are we without a care in the world. But a long-time
concierge medicine? Yes, yes and yes… kind of. ankle injury flared up, and in Lisbon Steve He wanted to speak with people who’d had
As far as we know, Healthnetwork is found himself unable to walk through the similar surgeries, but had a hard time finding
the only nonprofit that does what we do: cobblestone streets. Something had to change. anyone. “Everyone knows someone who’s had
connect CEOs and family offices with top a knee replacement. How many people do you
hospitals and doctors for world-class care teve has had problems with know that have had an ankle replacement?
and facilitate philanthropic funding for S his ankle for most of his life, Most people know no one.” Steve Kramer is grateful to be walking again,
medical research. but he’s always found ways Finding a surgeon he felt confident with pain-free, after his ankle replacement surgery.
I regularly hear two sentiments from to manage it and stay active. also proved to be a challenge. Steve met with Photo courtesy of Reed Kramer.
our members: “When I was young I badly sprained a surgeon who came highly recommended.
1. “I am so lucky/fortunate/blessed.” my left ankle a few times. It probably never But when she told Steve she did 20–25 ankle
2. “If you don’t have your health, nothing healed properly. I’m very active, and I’ve surgeries a year, he knew he couldn’t go forward.
else matters.” worn out the protective cartilage in my “I wasn’t comfortable with that,” he says.
It’s so true, isn’t it? You can “have it all” ankle over the years.” “If you want good carpentry, you get someone
and then you draw one unlucky health card, Over the last decade or so, Steve has had who does what you need every single day. At Your Service: Kim Dixon
and suddenly all you care about is getting a couple surgeries to clean out scar tissue I wanted someone who was doing at least two “Steve’s extensive research had already led
to the right doctor as fast as possible. and bone chips. Annoying, but he hasn’t let of these surgeries a week.” him to see multiple specialists prior to
Healthnetwork makes that possible for you. it slow him down. Until Lisbon. Not being looping us in. I felt like we were detectives
If you can take some time in advance to able to walk through the beautiful, historic That’s More Like It working together to figure out the next step.
understand what we do and how it works, city really bothered Steve. Steve knew about Healthnetwork through The choice was clear: Hospital for Special
you’ll be positioned to act swiftly when a his YPO membership, and reached out for help
health issue arises. “I couldn’t walk more than five minutes. Surgery and their top-notch foot and ankle
If you would like me to come speak It was too painful. I got an electric scooter finding a more experienced surgeon. His service. Dr. Demetracopoulos is a phenomenal
with your group (in person or virtually) to so I didn’t curtail our activities.” medical coordinator, Kim Dixon, connected surgeon and turned out to be a great fit for
explain more about how you and your peers him with Dr. Constantine Demetracopoulos Steve. Since his successful surgery, Steve has
can take advantage of the resources and at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Steve graciously spoken with two others who were
connections Healthnetwork offers, I would YPO has been an invaluable resource. was impressed with his background, training considering ankle replacement. He even had
be honored. And your group members will I’m grateful for the connection to and credentials. “I found out he did 125 one person speak to Dr. Demetracopoulos
thank you for years to come! Please call or ankle replacements a year and thought, that’s during his own follow-up consult! Steve’s
email me anytime. ✦ Healthnetwork and glad to make a more like it.” collaborative spirit, determination, generosity,
donation as a little give-back. This was Steve’s first time having major and kindness are delightful, and I look
surgery, and he was nervous about getting forward to supporting him and his loved
this highly specialized procedure. But ones for years to come.”
Bone on Bone
MEGAN FRANKEL everything went just as Dr. Demetracopoulos
President When Steve and Cindy returned home to had explained it would. The surgery went well,
KIM DIXON
Healthnetwork Foundation southern New Jersey, Steve immediately and Steve was back home the same day with Relationship Manager
+1 440-264-1923 and Medical Coordinator
mfrankel@ began looking into resources in the minimal pain. “I was back to doing everything
healthnetworkfoundation.org Philadelphia area. He knew he had to do within four months!” ✦

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