Page 7 - Summer-2015

A GIFT FROM THE HEART

Shirley and Raymond Kimlinger’s story

Marian Heart Center. In addition to the expert medical care she
has received, Shirley’s undying love for her husband and family
is apparent to all and is what keeps her going.

“I’m not about to let go,” asserts Shirley with a twinkle in her eye.
“Having heart disease can be a scary thing, not knowing what’s
to come in the future.”

Since the day Shirley and Raymond moved to Santa Maria
nearly 50 years ago it felt like home. So recently when the
Kimlingers chose to stand behind a worthy philanthropic cause,
they identified with the Marian Heart Center and made the
decision to make a major gift in support of the program that
quite literally has remained near and dear to their hearts.

Shirley explains, “We feel it is important; it’s the least we can
Raymond and Shirley Kimlinger do as we truly believe I am alive today because of the successful
heart surgeries conducted at Marian.”
Every donation has a story. For Shirley and Raymond Kimlinger
their story started 25 years ago when Shirley experienced her In appreciation for exceptional care, Shirley sends Dr. Bhatt
first heart attack. a card every Thanksgiving to not only express her continued
gratitude, but to also share how many great-grandchildren she
It was the spring of 1990 when Shirley felt an intense pain and her husband have welcomed during the year. At present,
in her shoulder that quickly traveled to her chest. Although Shirley and Raymond have 13 great-grandchildren, but for
she was not aware at the time, this would be the first of many this year’s letter she will get to tell her cardiologist about the
health episodes in the years to come for Shirley including an fourteenth as they have another great-grandchild on the way.
angioplasty procedure, a second heart attack, and cardiac
bypass surgery. “Ray and I are very grateful and feel blessed every day for our
health and ability to be productive,” concludes Shirley. “As a
With a slender frame and an energetic spring in her step, just by cardiac patient who has benefited from the program, I know just
looking at Shirley you would never know of the health battles how fortunate we are to have Marian’s Heart Center Expansion
she has faced. Over the years, she has been a strong advocate for become a reality.”
Marian Regional Medical Center, crediting the expert care she
has received from her cardiologist, Samir Bhatt, MD, and the

Marian Medical Center

1982 Marian offers an array of 1987 A 95-bed skilled nursing
specialty services and appropri- facility titled Marian Extended
ately changes the facility’s name Care Center opens and the award-
from Marian Hospital to Marian winning Marian Children’s Center
Medical Center. Additionally, the is established. Marian also extends
Emergency Department, Critical services to include Home Health,
Care Unit, Radiology Units, and Hospice, and Infusion. 7
Laboratory expand.