“I am so thankful knowing that a team of experts is looking after my health,” says Deborah patient Eddie Aray who was at the hospital getting a stress test the day before his 60^th birthday. “I have some medical history with my heart fluttering and high cholesterol, and my dad was a Deborah patient, he needed an aortic valve replacement. In those days it was an open heart surgery and he was an active Zipper Club member supporting other patients who were going to have heart surgery. Because of my issues and my dad’s history, I want to make sure Deborah is keeping an eye on me.”

Eddie, whose professional career has leapfrogged him from the West Coast to the East Coast in aerospace engineering, as a gelato shop business owner, and the hospital industry, eventually landed in Atlantic City where he enjoys working in various casinos. In this role he crossed paths again with Deborah last fall, when the hospital’s outreach team was at Ocean Casino providing EKGs to its employees. His results and history put him on cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Jonathan Krathen’s radar, and Eddie moved under his care.

“Eddie has heart arrhythmias combined with family risk factors,” says Dr. Krathen. “He’s a young man, and being able to keep a close watch on him will help us catch any problems early on. Plus he’s an ideal patient, motivated to keep on top of his healthcare.”

Eddie, who’s a confessed shore boy – graduating from Central Regional High School in Bayville and currently living in Toms River – is grateful for Dr. Krathen’s careful attention “My day had open heart surgery in 1997 when he was in his 60s. During his operation the surgeon also discovered an aortic aneurysm, so this operation was a true life saver in many ways.”

“He loved Deborah because everyone was so kind and helpful. I am getting the exact same awesome treatment, plus I can see Dr. Krathen either close to home or close to work at either the Toms River or Galloway office.”

And Eddie doesn’t want to slow down. He juggles work, caring for his mom, and a number of passions including investing, volunteering with JBJ Soul Kitchen, and following his beloved Mets while watching former Jersey Shore Little League teammate Al Leiter on the MBL Sports Channel.

“I keep a positive attitude,” he says. “Now that I’m in the 60s club I want to make sure my health is tip top. My cardiac care is the best birthday gift I could give myself.”