Philanthropy in action
Every day, philanthropy helps make extraordinary care possible across Endeavor Health’s NorthShore hospitals. It fuels innovation, strengthens emergency response and ensures our teams are ready when every second counts.
As we approach the end of the year — a time to reflect, give thanks and give back — we’re sharing an inspiring patient story that shows what your generosity makes possible. August Swanenberg, a Northbrook resident whose life was saved thanks to a seamless chain of care, shared his story with the NorthShore Hospitals Foundation, read on below.
A routine afternoon that changed everything
On a March morning, August was driving home from his daily visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden — something he’d done countless times before. But as he turned onto Lake Cook Road, he suddenly went into cardiac arrest behind the wheel. He swerved across three lanes of traffic before stopping in the middle of the roadway.
Michael Czarkowski of Winnetka found Swanenberg unconscious in the roadway. He quickly called 911 and within moments, Highland Park police officer Ginger Stokes arrived on the scene. Stokes connected her defibrillator, which detected a life-threatening heart rhythm, and applied a shock before conducting chest compressions.
Minutes later, firefighters and Benjamin Feinzimer, DO, EMS Director at Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital, arrived on the scene. Dr. Feinzimer responded to the call through an Endeavor Health program called the Physician Response Vehicle (PRV) — a program made possible through donor support.
“Thanks to our unique partnership with EMS and the police, we can provide a high-level medical resource in the field alongside paramedics,” said Dr. Feinzimer. “We extend our Emergency Department to meet you where you’re injured or ill.”
Together, the team resuscitated August twice before he reached the hospital. That immediate, advanced care in the field gave him a critical chance at survival.
From crisis to recovery – a seamless chain of care
Once stabilized, August was transported to Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital, where he received emergency care in the ICU.
A couple days later, August was transferred to the Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute at Glenbrook Hospital, where specialists provided advanced cardiac treatment and installed a pacemaker, which the Swanenberg family now lovingly refers to as “Little Ginger” named in honor of Officer Stokes.
“By the time we met for his defibrillator procedure, August had already been in excellent hands with our multidisciplinary team,” said Boruch Zucker, MD, an Endeavor Health cardiac electrophysiologist. “I’m honored to be part of his care for years to come.”
Incredibly, only four days after his cardiac arrest, August was back home, discharged for cardiac rehabilitation, and surrounded by family and friends who had feared the worst.
A celebration of life and gratitude
Six months after his cardiac arrest, August celebrated his 70th birthday — joined by his family, the first responders, and Dr. Feinzimer (and even the PRV). It was a joyful reunion of the people who had been part of his “chain of care.”
“Without this program, my dad would not be with us today,” said August’s daughter, Audrey. “Not everyone is lucky enough to have this perfectly aligned chain of events, but with the right tools in place, it’s possible. Everybody deserves an ER doctor in a blue emergency SUV.”
Along with the new bonds with August’s “guardian angels,” the experience led August’s daughter Audrey Epp Schmidt to become CPR certified — something she insisted every person should pursue.
Your generosity makes stories like this possible
August’s story is one of many that shows what happens when compassion meets community support. Every link in the chain — from the first responders to the specialized hospital teams — is strengthened by philanthropy.
When you give to NorthShore Hospitals Foundation, you’re not just supporting equipment or programs. You’re helping save lives, comfort families and ensure our hospitals are ready to respond when every moment matters.
As we look ahead to the new year, your generosity today will help us continue delivering expert, compassionate care — close to home, for every neighbor who needs it.
Thank you for turning gratitude into action and helping make more stories like August’s possible.
Masthead photo (left to right): Benjamin Feinzimer, DO, EMS Director at Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital and August Swanenberg are pictured with the Physician Response Vehicle.
