I just want to help others who are going through what I did.
Peter Lezeska, Co-Owner, NoshA 2018 diagnosis of cardiomyopathy surprised Peter Lezeska, but he was shocked six months later when Tammie had heart trouble of her own. Thankfully, both got the expert care they needed at the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute.
“My wife’s diagnosis is actually more serious than mine,” Peter said. “Her arteries unravel, and she’s at risk for heart attacks and strokes.”
After her original diagnosis and care plan was developed by our team, Peter and Tammie visited an out-of-state specialist to get a second opinion. “The specialist just confirmed that our doctors at the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute had already told us all the right things to do.”
Now that they are both feeling better, they’re working to stay healthy and help others.
“I’ve cut out all alcohol. I’ve tried to eliminate stress. I monitor my blood pressure, and I advocate for my own health,” Peter said. “The responsibility for my health doesn’t always fall on my doctors.”
Besides helping himself and his family, Peter supports the Heart Institute. “I just want to help others who are going through what I did.”
Sometimes that means pitching in to buy equipment, and sometimes it means donating meals for cardiology professionals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As co-owner of Rochester’s Nosh restaurant, Peter makes sure he always offers at least one menu item where a portion of the proceeds go to a local charity.
“When we were revamping the menu, I thought we could take one of our heart-healthy items and donate a portion to the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute – to a place that has really helped me.”
Tammie also organized a fundraiser for the Heart Institute through their daughter’s dance studio.
Nosh and other restaurants suffered during the recent quarantine, but Peter believes in doing what he can, regardless of the size of a gift.
“I think you need to go with a charity that is near and dear to your heart,” he said. “You need to give to a place that has affected you or affected someone you are close to because you can make a difference on their behalf.”
And, for Peter and Tammie, that means they’ll remain committed to helping others at the Heart Institute.
“I would do more if I could,” Peter said. “But I’m just going to keep donating what I can.”
To support the exceptional caregivers at the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute and provide help to people building healthier lives, give today.
