Man Who Suffered Heart Attack Attends Granddaughter's Illinois Wedding Online

When hearing Floyd Carter's story, the staff at St. Mary's Medical Center decided to help him watch his granddaughter get married from his hospital room.

It wasn't the second heart attack that broke Floyd Carter's heart. It was missing seeing his oldest granddaughter, Jessica Kapper, get married that did it.

Carter planned to celebrate the incredible life event with Kapper, who holds a special place in his heart, but that plan changed last Monday.

For the second time in seven years, Carter suffered a "Widow Maker" heart attack.

"In 2007 the doctor said that a very small percentage of people live through that type of heart attack," Carter said. "He basically said I most likely would not survive the second one."

The result of Monday's heart attack meant that Carter needs open heart surgery, which was scheduled for Tuesday, but it also meant he would be hospitalized until then and unable to make it to Mattoon, Illinois, for Kapper's big day this past Saturday.

His heart was heavy missing the wedding, but he knew his health was more important so he could be around for many more special events in Kapper's life.

When hearing Carter's story, the staff at St. Mary's Medical Center decided to help him watch his granddaughter get married from his hospital room.

With two iPads, a mobile hot spot and using the video bridge for the hospital's computer system, Carter was able to exchange a thumbs-up with Kapper as she walked down the aisle.

"A wedding is a big life event, and through technology we were able to help him be there and not put his health at risk," Randy Capehart, media relations coordinator at St. Mary's Medical Center, said.

"This is great," Carter kept saying as he watched the hourlong Catholic mass.

"It is just like being in church," Carter said. "I wish I could be there, but this is the next best thing."

Carter felt like the hospital and his family made sure to include him in the events of the day, and for that he was grateful. As he wiped away tears, Carter said this made for a day he won't forget .

"She might be a wife now, but she will always be my little granddaughter," He said. "I've cheated death, not once but twice, but I have a lot more living still to do."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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