At 84 and Winning Medals

How PCI and Capital Cardiology Helped Bob Prove That Anything Is Possible  

At 84 years old, Bob is proof that with passion, resilience, and the joy of movement can help you thrive at any age. From racing in competitive cycling circuits across Southern California to exploring the roads near his home in Hudson, New York, cycling has always been central to Bob’s life. But even the most active individuals face unexpected health challenges—and for Bob, a medical emergency became one of the most significant turning points of his life.  

What could have marked the end of his cycling days instead became the beginning of a new chapter, thanks to the care he received at Capital Cardiology Associates and the expertise of Dr. Lance Sullenberger. Bob’s story serves as a reminder that, with the right mindset, medical care, and support, it’s possible to recover from setbacks and thrive—at any age.  

A Routine Ride Turns into a Crisis  

For Bob, birthdays have always been celebrated with a special ride—one mile for every year of his life. But four years ago, that tradition nearly ended in disaster.  

“I was only three miles from home,” Bob recalls, “when everything suddenly went black. The next thing I knew, I was lying in the back of an ambulance.”  

A passerby found Bob unconscious on the Empire State Trail and quickly called emergency services. He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors performed multiple tests. Radiology confirmed that his only broken bone was a collarbone, a common injury for cyclists. However, his loss of consciousness raised concerns, and a cardiologist was brought in for an evaluation.  

Bob, however, felt something was missing from the initial diagnosis. “I’ve always been a believer that you have to manage your own health and connect with the right people,” he explains. He wanted a second opinion—someone who would understand not just his condition but also his passion for cycling.  

That search led Bob to Capital Cardiology Associates, where he connected with Dr. Lance Sullenberger. “I needed more than just treatment,” Bob says. “I wanted to recover in a way that allowed me to get back on the bike.”  

PCI: A Lifesaving Procedure  

Bob and Dr. Lance Sullenberger

Dr. Sullenberger quickly identified the root of Bob’s health crisis: restricted blood flow through a major artery. His heart hadn’t been able to meet the physical demands of the ride, causing him to lose consciousness.  

“When there is a blockage, a PCI can be the fastest and most effective way of resorting circuation to the heart muscle” explains Dr. Sullenberger. PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to open blocked arteries. It involves threading a catheter through the artery, inflating a small balloon to widen the passage, and placing a stent to keep the artery open long-term.  

Within a week of his diagnosis, Bob underwent PCI under Dr. Sullenberger’s care. The results were remarkable. After the procedure, Dr. Sullenberger reassured Bob with a smile, saying: You’re 35 again—get back on that bike.”

Rebuilding Confidence After a Health Setback  

While PCI restored Bob’s physical strength, overcoming the psychological hurdle of riding again took longer. “Knowing my heart was healthy was one thing,” Bob admits. “But the fear of getting back on the bike after the incident was a whole different challenge.”  

Bob started cautiously, riding shorter distances along the his local bike trail, where he could avoid traffic and gradually build his confidence. “I didn’t have the confidence to get back on busy roads right away,” Bob explains. “So, I stuck to safer paths until I was ready.”  

To rebuild his strength, Bob also invested in a high-tech stationary trainer. The device allowed him to simulate race routes, monitor his progress, and gradually regain his stamina. “I even downloaded the GPS routes for upcoming races and practiced them on my trainer,” he says.  

Over time, his confidence returned—and so did his competitive spirit. This year, Bob’s hard work paid off when he competed in the senior games, winning two gold medals in time trials and a silver medal in a road race.  

“There aren’t many of us in our 80s still racing,” Bob says with a grin. “But that just makes it even more rewarding.”  

Finding the Right Doctor: Aligning Care with Personal Goals  

After his collapse, Bob knew that finding the right doctor was crucial—not just someone who could treat his condition but someone who would understand his goals and active lifestyle.  

That’s what led him to Capital Cardiology Associates, where he met Dr. Sullenberger, an athlete and cardiologist who immediately understood Bob’s mindset. “From the first conversation, I knew Dr. Sullenberger understood where I was coming from,” Bob recalls. “He respected that cycling isn’t just a hobby for me—it’s part of who I am.”  

The connection between Bob and Dr. Sullenberger proved to be a turning point in his recovery. “It wasn’t just about the procedure,” Bob says. “It was about having a team that believed in my ability to come back stronger.”  

The Power of a Support System  

Throughout his journey, Bob’s wife has been a crucial part of his recovery. “She knows that cycling isn’t just something I do—it’s part of me,” Bob explains. Her encouragement helped him stay focused on getting back to what he loved most.  

Bob also emphasizes the importance of having the right healthcare team. “Capital Cardiology Associates wasn’t just treating my heart. They were helping me get back to the life I wanted to live,” he says. “They didn’t just see me as a patient—they saw me as someone with goals and ambitions.”  

Having Dr. Sullenberger, who shared Bob’s athletic mindset, made all the difference. “Dr. Sullenberger knew exactly what it means to push yourself physically,” Bob says. “It was clear from the beginning that he wanted me not just to recover but to thrive.”  

Staying Active: A Key to Physical and Emotional Well-Being  

For Bob, cycling offers far more than just exercise—it provides joy, purpose, and connection. “It’s not just about the bike,” he says, quoting Lance Armstrong’s famous phrase. “It’s about the places it takes you, the people you meet, and the sense of freedom it gives you.”  

Bob encourages others to find an activity they love and stay active, no matter their age. “Recovery isn’t just about medicine—it’s about having people around you who believe in what you can do,” he says.  

The Message: Anything Is Possible  

Bob’s story proves that setbacks don’t have to mark the end of the road. “Anything is possible,” he says. “You just have to keep moving forward and believe in yourself.”  

Looking ahead, Bob has no plans to slow down. He intends to continue cycling, competing in the senior games, and embracing life with passion and purpose. “This journey isn’t about what’s behind me—it’s about what lies ahead,” Bob reflects.  

“Anything is possible.”

Bob’s journey with Capital Cardiology Associates highlights the importance of personalized care and a supportive medical team. PCI restored his physical strength, but it was Bob’s determination and the right care that allowed him to reclaim his passion for cycling.  

His story emphasizes the value of early detection, proactive cardiology care, and finding healthcare providers who align with your personal goals. With Dr. Sullenberger’s expertise and PCI’s swift intervention, Bob overcame a life-threatening condition and came back stronger than ever.  

Now, with medals in hand and bike at the ready, Bob rides forward with purpose—showing us all that the road to recovery can lead to new beginnings. As Bob puts it:  

“This isn’t about what’s behind me—it’s about what’s ahead.”

Written by John Bulmer, Public Information Officer, Capital Cardiology Associates