KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and SportsKeeping a promise
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ROCHESTER, MN (KTTC DT) -- A remarkable story, about a Mayo Clinic doctor who kept his promise. The doctor called it magical and his date couldn't stop crying. It was a moment ten years in the making. But before we tell you the end of their story - you have to know the beginning. It started inside a Mayo hospital room, with a promise.
Dr. Mike Ackerman, pediatric cardiologist says, "When she looked up and said, Am I going to live, Dr. Mike? I said, of course you are Stefanie. And not only are you going to survive this transplant, I'll be dancing with you at your prom."
It was a moment captured by few pictures.
"I tapped her on her shoulder and I said, Can I have this dance?"
She accepted, and together doctor and patient carried out a promise made ten years ago.
Stefanie Pentiuk first came to Mayo Clinic from Leland, Michigan when she was just eight years old.
She needed a new heart.
Doctor Ackerman was a young fellow at the time, training in pediatric cardiology.
Dr. Mike says, "All I knew was during the days following her transplant, we developed a special connection with myself and this precious eight-year-old girl."
Doctors offer a lot more than patient care - they offer hope. Don't believe me? Just ask Stefanie.
"It was Dr. Ackerman who had made a little switch that made my vital signs go up and all the doctors were amazed at how much better I was doing."
Stefanie made a full recovery and went back home to Michigan.
The two kept in touch, but had forgotten about the promise made so many years ago.
Until Stefanie's parents made the call.
Dr. Mike says, "I know you're busy, but is there any way you can come to Stefanie's prom and surprise her?"
The answer was simple.
Dr. Mike says, "She was so taken by the moment and blown away."
April 25 will forever be caught on film, and in the minds of two people, separated by one heart.
Dr. Mike says, "I'd forgotten my junior and senior year proms, but I'll never forget my 42nd-year prom."
Stefanie will graduate this spring.
She'll attend Hope College in Michigan.
Besides surviving a heart transplant, Stefanie also had a kidney transplant, which she received from her mother one year ago.
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