Pulse of the Y Community

Sam McClenaghan is a regular attendee of the Alex. W. Spears III Family YMCA. At 75 years old, he enjoys staying active by playing his favorite game: pickleball. One day in January while playing, he passed out and fell to the ground. Lora McPhall, a nurse from Cone Hospital, was at the Spears Family YMCA when she found out that Sam had an accident. Lora made sure to examine him with care using her years of expertise as a medical professional. After checking his pulse, she realized it was dangerously low at 30 BPM instead of 80. Sam was encouraged to stay until he was taken to Cone Hospital by EMS.

They discovered a heart blockage, which happens when the heart's electrical system stops functioning properly. “The doctor confirmed that if I had been allowed to drive home, I would not have made it alive,” said Sam. While at the hospital, Sam had an emergency treatment to install a permanent pacemaker.  

Nurses like Lora are present at the Y because of a successful program at the Y called Provider Referral Exercise Program, or (PREP). “I started the Cone Nursing partnership about 15 years ago,” said Joe Hennigan, the Executive Director of the Spears Family YMCA. “The nurse is here to run programs for the community.”  The PREP program is dedicated to empowering individuals with chronic health issues by providing essential support and access to critical care, helping to improve their overall well-being and transform their lives.

“The nurse supports community members with chronic health issues, monitoring improvement with their condition. They also provide immunizations, health fairs and counseling and referrals for our members,” said Joe. “Our nurse has helped several members suffering injuries, experiencing health crisis, and even saved a member's life."

Sam McClenaghan extends his gratitude to Lora for her professionalism and compassion. "I am thankful to the YMCA for having people such as Lora on the staff. You never know where you are going to find a hero.”