HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital recently received a donation of a recumbent elliptical valued at $6,000 from the Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation (AGBHF) for the hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation patients.
The TRUE Apex Recumbent Elliptical is an essential tool in cardiac rehabilitation. Its innovative design allows users to reap the benefits of an elliptical workout while remaining in a safe, seated position. The recumbent seating reduces strain on the back and joints while also providing a low-impact workout, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The donation was made through funds raised through the AGBHF Golf Event held in September each year at the Effingham Country Club. Stephanie Gobczynski Uebinger, Chairperson of the AGBHF, shared why the foundation wanted to make this donation to St. Anthony’s.
“Our current partnership with HSHS St. Anthony’s has been so wonderful. In addition to the screenings that we do with student-athletes in the area, we wanted to find additional ways to support cardiac health in our community. This elliptical will help St. Anthony’s cardiac rehabilitation program expand their care for more people who need rehab after experiencing a cardiac event,” she said. “At the end of the day, it is our mission to help as many people as possible, and we know this equipment will help us do just that.”
Jill Ruholl, Director of Surgical and Cardiovascular Services at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, shared her appreciation for the donation.
“This piece of equipment is so helpful because all of our patients in cardiac rehab can use this, even those with mobility issues,” she said. “We are grateful to the Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation for their partnership in improving the health of our area residents.”
For questions or more information about the Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation, follow The Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation Facebook page or contact Stephanie Gobczynski Uebinger at 217-240-0877 or stephuebinger@gmail.com. She serves on the board of the Andrew Gobczynski Big Heart Foundation (AGBHF). The AGBHF also partners annually with St. Anthony’s to serve the community and help prevent premature deaths of seemingly healthy young athletes through their Athletic Heart Screening Program. The AGBHF has also previously funded the purchase of other cardiac rehab equipment at St. Anthony’s. The AGBHF was formed in memory of Andrew Gobczynski, a former Teutopolis and EIU basketball standout, who died at just 33 because of cardiomyopathy, a condition no one knew about.