Wild at Heart Gala benefits SMC Heart & Vascular Institute


Guests at the Stillwater Medical Foundation’s Wild at Heart Gala learned how two Stillwater physicians were instrumental in saving the life of Jesse Ogle. During a routine camp physical at age 13, Dr. Bobby Lauvetz told Jesse’s parents, Seana and Joe Ogle, that he had a heart murmur. Ten years later, after an episode that brought him to SMC’s ER, Dr. Bryan Harris coordinated Jesse’s care which ultimately included open-heart surgery in Oklahoma City.

Stillwater law school student and heart surgery patient, Jesse Ogle (right) looks on as charity auctioneer, Tony Wisely (middle) thanks Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Mark Paden (left) for his gift.

The Gala was held on November 15, 2018 at Sparrow Beginnings event center, where Jesse shared his story with 350 guests. Jesse emphasized how diagnosis, screenings, and interventional procedures saved his life and can save others. This is why the completion of Stillwater Medical’s Heart & Vascular Institute means so much to him and his family.

Proceeds from the gala support construction of the two-story, 40,000 sq. ft. addition to the hospital, scheduled for completion in August of 2019.

“This expansion allows the Stillwater Cardiology Clinic and Cardiac Rehab to relocate closer to the ER, providing the opportunity to add and enhance testing, care, and services currently provided, as well as increase the number of cardiologists and other experts on our cardiac team,” said D. Scott Petty, Executive Director of the Stillwater Medical Foundation.   

“Sponsors and donors enjoyed an amazing meal prepared by Chef Jonas Favela of Union Wood Fired Grill,” noted Vic Schutte, Stillwater Medical Foundation Chairman. “From our first sponsorship to the final auction bid, our guests invested over $220,000 in Stillwater Medical’s Heart & Vascular Institute.”

An early diagnosis, the Ogle family’s attentiveness to their health, and excellent, timely care by the Stillwater Cardiology Clinic proved to be critical for Jesse’s survival. He recovered from surgery just in time to start law school last fall and now at 24 years old, is thriving. Watch Jesse tell his story and learn more about Stillwater Medical’s Heart & Vascular Institute by visiting www.smc-foundation.org.