From 5% to Walking Out: How Donor Support Saved Guy Dickerson's Life
Guy Dickerson with his wife, Denise
On August 30th, Guy Dickerson drove himself to a local hospital during what would become the fight of his life. What started as a heart attack quickly escalated into a medical crisis that would test the limits of modern medicine — and the power of community support.
A Crisis Escalates
After his initial arrival at a local hospital, Guy was transferred to a facility in downtown Oklahoma City, where doctors attempted to stabilize him with stents. But by the third day, his condition had deteriorated dramatically. Part of his heart had collapsed, and both his lungs and kidneys were failing. His chance of survival: just 5%.
That's when his care team made a critical call to the ECMO team at INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital.
A Well-Oiled Pit Crew
When the specialized ECMO team arrived, they moved with precision and purpose. Over the course of three hours, they worked to stabilize Guy on a portable ECMO device — technology that essentially takes over the work of the heart and lungs, giving these vital organs time to heal.
Guy's wife, Denise, an INTEGRIS Health volunteer who mentors patients at INTEGRIS Health Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation, witnessed the team in action. She described them as functioning like a "well-oiled pit crew," with each member working seamlessly toward a single goal: saving Guy's life.
Once stabilized, Guy was transported to the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital. That decision changed everything — his survival odds jumped from 5% to over 50%.
The Long Road to Recovery
The journey ahead wasn't easy. Guy spent two and a half weeks in the Heart Hospital's ICU, filled with moments of uncertainty. But at every turn, compassionate caregivers stood with him and his family.
Against all odds, Guy came off ECMO. His heart began to grow stronger, and he was soon ready for the next phase of his recovery. He transferred to INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center to begin intensive rehabilitation at Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation.
Just nine days later, Guy walked out of rehab on his own two feet.
The Impact of the Jim Thorpe Courage Garden
Guy credits much of his swift recovery to more than just medical intervention. The outdoor therapy space at Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation — the Courage Garden — played a vital role in his healing journey. This donor-funded space served not only as a place for physical therapy but as a peaceful refuge during one of the most challenging times of his life.
The Courage Garden is just one example of how donor support extends beyond medical equipment to create healing environments that support the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
The Power of Donor Support
Guy's survival story was made possible by a network of donor-supported care:
Advanced ECMO equipment that could stabilize him and transport him safely
The specialized Heart Hospital with state-of-the-art ICU capabilities
Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation's comprehensive programs, including therapeutic outdoor spaces
Highly trained teams with access to continuing education and the latest techniques
Every piece of equipment, every training program, every thoughtfully designed healing space — all of it is made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in exceptional health care for our community.
A Family Forever Grateful
From the ECMO team to the Heart Hospital caregivers to the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation staff, Guy received care that gave him his life back. And behind that care stood a community of donors whose support made it all possible.
Today, Guy is home with his family, continuing to grow stronger each day. His story is a testament to what's possible when cutting-edge medical technology, compassionate care, and community support come together.
Stories like Guy's happen because of donors like you. When you support the INTEGRIS Health Foundation, you're not just funding equipment or programs — you're giving patients and families hope, healing, and second chances.
Story by Zoee Zuerker