Advocate honors heart patients with Chicago Bulls

During Heart Health Month and just before Valentine’s Day, Advocate Health Care and the Chicago Bulls teamed up for the fourth year to honor heart patients and promote heart health during the annual Hoops & Hearts game.

Ten heart patients from throughout the Chicago area, their loved ones and Advocate Health Care physicians gathered for a special pre-game dinner before the Chicago Bulls took on the Detroit Pistons. It was a chance for patients to reunite with their care teams and celebrate their recovery. They also heard from former Chicago Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich and had him sign their new, custom jerseys.

Patient Joe Brown, who had a heart transplant in the fall of 2023 at Advocate Christ Medical Center, served as the honorary captain for the game, and his cardiologist, Dr. William Cotts, presented the game ball.

Other Advocate Health Care patients took part in the flag unfurling during the national anthem and participated in the fan funnel.

“I am a big Bulls fan and thankful for the opportunity to raise heart health awareness with them,” Brown said. “This special night also helped recognize the compassionate teams I am incredibly thankful for at Advocate Health Care.”

Chicago native Brown, 59, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2014 and his condition continued to decline. A deeply religious man, Brown said he made his peace and would accept whatever happened to him but continued to be surprised by what the doctors and the team at Advocate could do for him. That care led to the placement of a left ventricular assist device, also known as an LVAD, which helps the heart pump blood when it is too weak to do it on its own. Brown then received his new heart more than a year ago.

During his time in the hospital, Brown got to know his care team and often would discuss his faith, earning the name “the preacher man.” Following his transplant, Brown was so grateful for his recovery that he was inspired to follow through with his dream to become an ordained minister. With his new heart and his new calling, he’s now able to enjoy life with his family and play with his grandchildren.

“Treating patients like Joe and seeing the incredible recoveries is what makes my job so special,” Dr. Cotts said. “This heart month, it is important to raise awareness of the importance of heart health. I am grateful for the opportunity to do so with the Chicago Bulls.”

Deandre Thomas, 26, another cardiology patient at Advocate Christ Medical Center, was also a special guest at the game – and it was his first professional sporting event.

About two years ago, Thomas had a cold that wouldn’t go away. He was having trouble breathing, was weak and wasn’t himself.

His colleagues at the auto shop encouraged the then 24-year-old to go to the emergency department and get help. He was shocked to find out he was in heart failure.

Thomas’ care eventually led him to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he received an LVAD in July 2024. He’s now in cardiac rehab and looks forward to getting back to work.

Wednesday’s game was a special night for the Chicago Heights man and his family – and just in time for his 27th birthday later this month.

“It’s hard being the youngest one in cardiac rehab so this has taken a mental toll,” he said. “But I’m getting stronger every day and am grateful for how far I’ve come.”