Blessings in disguise: How an interrupted journey saved Peter’s life
Patient Story
The trip was booked. The date on the calendar was circled. The hiking and the high-altitude training was well underway.
Peter Tedesco had spent the last several months preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: hiking nearly 18,000 feet to Mount Everest Base Camp. Nothing could stop him now.
That’s what he thought, anyway.
Blood work and other health checks had been cleared in preparation for the trip, but just weeks before departure, Peter’s doctor scheduled a precautionary CT scan. Peter had had heart issues in the past, but as an avid mountain biker, squash player and gym-goer, the 52-year-old was feeling healthier than ever.
When the test revealed an enlarged aorta – dangerously close to rupturing – Peter was stunned.
“This type of condition is usually only discovered in an autopsy,” the doctor told him. “Without surgery, the outcome is fatal.”
From Everest to the OR
Just like that, the dream trip was cancelled, and Peter turned his focus from Everest to open heart surgery at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN).
In July, Peter had two successful procedures – a valve-sparing aortic root replacement to fix the enlarged aorta, and a single bypass to repair a partially blocked artery – at WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd.
The journey after surgery has been physical and emotional, not just for Peter but also for his wife of nearly 30 years and their three adult children. Since Peter’s condition carries a potentially hereditary link, his kids, siblings and nieces and nephews have been screened or soon will be.
Learning about it was the most important thing. Now I can continue to pursue my desire for travel and adventure, and we can protect our kids and nieces and nephews.
Less than six weeks after the procedure, Peter is back to work. He’s increasing his daily walks and has slowly started getting back on his bike. Carefully, he’s rebuilding his stamina and setting his sights on new peaks.
Everest Base Camp is still in his future — but first, there’s something closer to home to conquer: WRHN Foundation’s upcoming Hike for Health fundraising event.
A journey fueled by gratitude
Hike for Health allows patients, like Peter, to walk together with the WRHN team members who changed their lives. The event is a celebration of health, community and recovery – and a way to support local healthcare by fundraising for equipment and programs across the Hospital.
Peter’s gratitude for his WRHN care team inspired him to give back and attend this year’s Hike. As a longtime supporter of health-related causes, he wants to ensure the same level of care he received at WRHN is there for future patients.
The care was personal: they didn’t just treat me, they took the time to connect with me. It made a huge difference.
As Peter continues his recovery, he’s gained a new perspective on his missed Everest experience.
“It was disappointing to cancel the trip, but it was an absolute blessing in disguise. I got that CT scan and we fixed the issue,” he says.
Now I’m just grateful to be here – and grateful to be moving forward.
Want to support Peter's Hike for Health fundraiser?
To learn more and support Hike for Health, visit hikeforhealth.ca