Where 
Philanthropy Saves 
Lives: A Family’s 
Journey Through 
Coordinated Care
Philanthropy fuels the innovative 
technologies behind today’s minimally 
invasive heart procedures, making them 
safer, faster and more accessible. Donor 
generosity also helps HonorHealth 
attract and retain world-class physicians 
dedicated to delivering coordinated, 
patient-centered care — support that made 
all the difference for Mark Steel.
In 2019, Mark — an American Red Cross 
volunteer for nearly a decade — became 
unexpectedly winded while lending his 
technology expertise in the aftermath of 
the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. His 
vital signs appeared normal, but he sensed 
something wasn’t right. Back home, he 
began a diagnostic journey that ultimately 
led him to Dr. Maulik Shah, executive 
director of HonorHealth Heart Care.
Stress testing quickly revealed the 
need for urgent intervention. Within 
days, Mark received four stents placed 
through the wrist, resulting in immediate 
improvement.
“Dr. Shah saved my life,” he reflects. “It 
could’ve gotten very serious, very quickly.”
Mark’s appreciation deepened in early 
2023, when his mother, then in her mid-
90s, required urgent, highly coordinated 
care. Following a failed hip repair, she 
required a full hip replacement, but her 
heart wasn’t strong enough to undergo 
the procedure. She first needed an 
aortic valve replacement. The surgeon’s 
office told the family the next available 
appointment was months away — time they 
simply didn’t have.
H E A R T  C A R E
HonorHealth 
supporter and 
grateful patient 
Mark Steel
20   HonorHealth Foundation 

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