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Writer's picturePP Celso Montalla

How Rotary & Golf Mended My Heart

Let me take you on a journey through one of the most unexpected and uplifting experiences of my life. It's a story that involves 18 rounds of golf, a stubborn heart, and the amazing support of my Rotary family. Buckle up – it's going to be a heartwarming ride!

In January 2005, I found myself dealing with a myocardial infarction. Yeah, I know, it sounds scary, and trust me, it was. I was the active type-- playing tennis and running almost daily, but both genetics and bad eating choices played a role in that ordeal. However, in the midst of those hospital visits and heart monitors, a glimmer of hope appeared in the form of PP Jimmy Santos' invitation to play golf with him.


I've always enjoyed a good round of golf, but little did I know it would become my lifeline. Those 18 rounds I played? They were more than just swings and putts – they were my therapy sessions. With each hit of the ball, I could feel my worries fade away. The fresh air, the green expanse of the course – they worked magic on my heart, both physically and emotionally.


Fast forward to 2023 – a pacemaker was now on the horizon. But this time, I was ready to face it head-on. Thanks to the many rounds of golf, I had a newfound appreciation for the rhythm of life. The golf course had taught me patience, resilience, and the joy of taking things one step at a time.


Four months post-pacemaker, guess where you'd find me? Back on that golf course, grinning like a kid in a candy store. It felt like a fresh start, a rebirth even. The pacemaker was a mechanical addition, but the real change came from within – the courage and zest for life I'd gained were undeniable.



Now, you might be wondering about that "Rotary" bit. Well, let me tell you, my Rotary family became my backbone. Those amazing folks showed me that a heart can be mended not just with golf but with genuine human connections. The support, the camaraderie – they were the icing on the cake of my recovery journey.


As of writing, it's been eight months since I got my pacemaker, and as I stand on the green, looking out at the fairway, I can't help but reflect on how far I've come. Golf and rotary – an unlikely duo, but they've rewritten my story. If you're dealing with a tough time or a broken heart, consider this my friendly nudge to explore unexpected avenues. You never know where you'll find your own 18 rounds of healing and a supportive community that can lift you up when you need it most.




So here's to golf, pacemakers, and the power of human connection – they gave me a new heart, and I'm not just talking about the physical one. Until next time, keep swinging and keep believing in the magic of life's surprising twists!




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