Working in the hospital, our goal is to do everything we can to get our patients healthy enough to enjoy their lives again. It is rare that we’re able to join our patients in celebrating major life milestones once they leave the hospital.

Today, June 30, was an exception, as we had the honor of hosting a patient’s lifetime re-enlistment ceremony for the Army right on our campus.For those who may remember, we covered Randell Adarme’s story last December. He is a drill sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, and he was leading a training at Mark Twain National Forest and nearly collapsed in the operations tent with heart attack symptoms.

He ultimately ended up at Cox South, where it was determined that Randell required surgery. And Dr. Zolfaghari and the CoxHealth Cardiology team repaired his heart valve, allowing Randell to make it home to spend the holidays with his wife and children.Recently, Randell and his wife, Jennifer, reached out to inform us of the progress that he has made over the last six months, and that Randell has become eligible to continue serving his country in the United States Army.

To honor the CoxHealth workers who ultimately saved his life, Randell requested to have his re-enlistment ceremony at CoxHealth.At the ceremony, friends, family and members of Randell’s care team were honored to watch as he made an oath to an indefinite re-enlistment, meaning that Randell will continue serving in the United States Army until he reaches his retirement year. Randell’s company’s commander also presented Dr. Zolfaghari with a certificate and token of appreciation for saving Randell’s life.“

I cannot thank this team enough for what they did for me when I was a patient here,” Randell shared once the ceremony was complete. “Because of your care, I’m still here with my family and able to continue doing something that I love.”This was extra special for us as we approach the celebration of our country’s independence next week.

We are grateful for all service men and women, like Randell, who continue to sacrifice so much for the freedom that we celebrate each July 4th. And thank you to the Adarme family, for allowing us the privilege of sharing such a meaningful ceremony.

Recommitment to service: Randell Adarme’s heartfelt story