MURFREESBORO, TN - Diane Lariscy, a retired sterile technician residing in Murfreesboro, TN at 67, found herself on a life-saving journey supported by her sister, Denise. As the last two members of their family, Diane and Denise, separated by only two and a half years in age, have shared a home and a deep bond through a lifetime of experiences, supporting each other through moments of challenges and successes.

Last May, Diane began experiencing discomfort in her abdomen and arm, symptoms she initially dismissed as indigestion. Turning to over-the-counter remedies, she continued on until Thanksgiving when she finally sought medical attention. Accompanied by her sister, Diane hesitated to share her symptoms. "I didn’t want to speak up about the pain I was having," Diane recalls. "So, my sister took charge and urged the doctor to take a closer look."

Under the care of Dr. David Bauman, family medicine physician at Ascension Saint Thomas Medical Partners New Salem, Diane's journey took an unexpected turn when further evaluation led her to Dr. Ramya Suryadevara, an interventional cardiologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford. It was during a routine nuclear stress test that Diane experienced a concerning moment. Despite feeling unwell, she chose to address her symptoms at home.

Just a week later, Diane found herself once again in the midst of excruciating chest pain. “I told Denise I was having sharp pain and it was intensifying,” said Diane. They quickly drove to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Westlawn where her high blood pressure signaled a serious problem, and she was then transferred to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford for further treatment. Diane's journey towards recovery began under the care of Dr. Wilson Clements, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and his team. On November 30th, Diane underwent a triple bypass surgery.

Diane is currently undergoing cardiac rehabilitation at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Wellness Center twice weekly, grateful for her sister and care team that helped her. "My sister saved my life," she says. "I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her speaking up. I'm thankful for her every day."