Closer to the Heart - A personal path to giving, gratitude and heart health

Following in her grandmother's footsteps as a Trinity Health Oakland volunteer, Cheryl Cooper found her own path, devotion and strong work ethic as a Junior Auxiliary Volunteer at Trinity Health Oakland during middle and high school.

Cheryl was born at Trinity Health Oakland, when it was a much smaller red brick building, and in her teen years became one of the hospital's revered volunteers, recognized with awards from the Auxiliary and community after completing 2,000 plus hours serving alongside the staff at Trinity Health Oakland. She spent weekends and summer vacations helping to make the patient experience better for those on the surgery, pediatric and other units.

Trinity Health Oakland's role in Cheryl's life only grew deeper each time a family member needed care. "One of the most impactful experiences was my father's heart bypass surgery," Cheryl shared. "As part of his recovery he attended therapy at the Cardiac Rehab Center. He spoke highly of how much this helped his recovery as have several friends who have had procedures in the Cardiac Cath lab and have attended the Cardiac Rehab Center."

Later, Cheryl needed to put her trust in Trinity Health Oakland once again. She had been managing her career in IT as well as caring for her aging parents as they faced serious health issues, when she found herself not feeling right.

Cheryl turned to one of Trinity Health Oakland's Cardiologists who provided her with minimally invasive cardiac treatments and whom she credits as the catalyst of her 100-pound weight loss "It is still very much a work in progress!" she is quick to add. Her treatment plan has helped reduce the risks of chronic heart disease, stress, and other illnesses as well as enjoy traveling and spending time with friends.

Like some donors, Cheryl is showing her gratitude by including a bequest to Trinity Health Oakland in her will, made in honor of her cardiologist, his staff, her parents Charles and Alice Cooper and brother Vernon, to support the Trinity Health Oakland Cardiac Cath Lab and Cardiac Rehab Program.

Like so many of us, Cheryl has always loved having dogs and the fun and companionship they give. Today, Cheryl's dog also inspires her to stay active. A personal path to giving, gratitude and heart health

Trinity Health Oakland is incredibly grateful to Cheryl for sharing her meaningful experiences and the path that led to such a generous planned gift commitment. Her lifetime involvement with the hospital is inspiring and her bequest recognizes the people most important in her life while allocating support for programs close to her heart.

"Trinity Health Oakland has been important to me and my family for a long time," shared Cheryl. "I wanted to make sure to support a place that has people I care about and has continued to help our community."