Patient Testimonial: Doris Cresong
October 29, 2026
Sometimes the most powerful stories about healthcare come directly from the patients whose lives have been touched by it. After receiving emergency cardiac care and completing 36 therapy sessions with the Heart Failure Clinic at Sovah Health - Martinsville, one local patient shared a heartfelt letter of gratitude for the physicians and team members who supported the journey toward better health.
Doris Cresong wrote:
"I just finished 36 therapy sessions at the Heart Failure Clinic at Sovah Health - Martinsville. And, I was absolutely amazed at the care I received there. First, I was admitted through the ER where I was diagnosed as having heart failure and pneumonia. When Dr. Bhogal walked into my hospital room, I assured him that I did NOT have heart failure! At 80 years old, I knew I had pneumonia because I couldn’t breathe, but my heart was about the only thing healthy in my body! After he showed me the results of the echocardiogram, I was convinced this young cardiologist knew his stuff! His bedside manner was awesome, and he explained that he needed to do a heart cath. This showed I had a 95% blockage; Dr. Bhogal and his staff put in a stent and I came out fine. Thank God!
After a 6-day stay at the hospital, I enrolled at the Heart Failure Clinic. Run by Donna Nash and Cheryl Foley (and aided by Jackie Hall and Haley Hall), this place and these people saved my life. When I entered the hospital, my heart was functioning at 20%; when I went back to see Dr. Bhogal after the therapy, it was up to 40%!
As a result of my coming to Sovah Health, my life has changed dramatically: I’m eating healthier, exercising more, thanking God more for people like Dr. Bhogal, and Donna, Cheryl and staff at the Heart Failure Clinic. Dr. Bhogal now has a new patient, for life!
The people in Martinsville and surrounding areas need to know what health care jewels we have here. I moved here 27 years ago from the Washington, DC area and got good health care there. The care and expertise I received in Martinsville were equal, if not better, than that."