My name is Larry Dean Pentz and I have been coming to San Juan Island every weekend for 20 years.

On Sept. 26, 2015, I was home alone when I had a life-threatening Aortal Dissection which normally kills 99 percent of its victims. Calling 911 was fast and I received immediate attention on the phone and my life was in the capable hands of EMS in Friday Harbor. After quickly being extricated from my home, I was air-lifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham. My chances for survival were extremely low at best, but no one gave up on me, and it took a full 21 days in intensive care just to stabilize me. Somehow I was blessed, had care givers that were very well trained and extremely lucky. After four weeks of rehabilitation I went from close to death to walking. Now, I drive, go to work and come to the island to work on my house again. Not only did I survive but I am thriving at age 65.

Best regards,

Larry Dean Pentz

San Juan Island