“You have no idea you’re going to be the person who needs the blood.”
That’s what Mike Testa said after living through a medical crisis he never expected.
In April 2024, he suffered a massive pulmonary embolism — a dangerous blood clot in the lungs that nearly ended his life. His heart stopped twice, and doctors performed six surgeries in just ten days. Over 40 days in the hospital, he relied on more than 110 blood donations from generous donors to survive.
His wife, Stephanie, recalls the fear of those days. “The first time we saw him in the hospital, they were calling Code Blue and doing CPR… and we stood there and watched," Stephanie said. "He was on ECMO for five days. He was intubated for 11 days. He doesn’t remember any of that. I didn’t sleep at home the entire 40 days he was in the hospital.”
Recovery After a Pulmonary Embolism
Mike's recovery hasn’t been easy. From a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane — every step forward has been a victory.
“It makes you appreciate life all the more,” he says. “Life is very precious… I’m so fortunate that I got out of the hospital. And now I’m just trying to get off this cane.”
Today, Mike's back to enjoying the things that matter most: playing fetch with his dog Bella, weekends at the farm and moments with his grandchildren.
Stephanie looks ahead with gratitude. “I’m looking forward to him being able to get back to doing what he loves," she explains. "Getting to spend time with the family and getting to see each of the new steps the grandkids have that we thought weren’t gonna happen.”
