ALLEN, Texas — As much as he tried, Eric Prisbell couldn’t jog around the block, let alone walk up the second flight of stairs in his home, without dealing with shortness of breath and a spiking heart rate. He turned to caregivers at Texas Health for help.

Eric Prisbell

After double bypass surgery last year, the 47-year-old also was diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease, which happens when the arteries are unable to deliver sufficient oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Prisbell received guidance and support in cardiac rehabilitation at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen.

He also formed a lasting bond with two of his care team members that extends beyond the hospital. Every month, they participate in a 5K event.

“After learning about my family history of coronary artery disease, I was motivated to not only live a long life but to do something extraordinary and really transform my life,” Prisbell said. “Thanks to Jaclyn Raibick and Sierra Proctor, they helped me find the fuel I needed to keep going.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 20 million adults in the U.S. are living with coronary artery disease, making it the most common type of heart disease in the nation. Unfortunately, the disease leads to more than 600,000 deaths every year in the U.S.

Raibick, a registered nurse at Texas Health Allen, said cardiac rehab helps patients, including those living with coronary artery disease, build independence, so they feel comfortable continuing a heart-healthy lifestyle outside of rehab. Prisbell accomplished that and much more.

The father of three began cardiac rehab in October, and by December, Prisbell was training for his first 5K event.

“When I first started, it was hard to breathe. So, I started slowly with walking, transitioned to jogging and now I’m running more than 25 miles per week,” Prisbell said. “The encouragement I received in cardiac rehab really helped with that.”

Proctor, who is an exercise physiologist at Texas Health Allen, said Prisbell’s significant progress wasn’t overlooked. “His work ethic and commitment to improve his health inspired us to try a 5K race, too.”

Last December, all three participated in their first 5K event, and when Prisbell completed cardiac rehab that same month, they agreed to stay connected. The trio even made a commitment to run a 5K every month, for the entire year.

“It’s been great to see how far Mr. Prisbell has come along,” Raibick said. “He has motivated us to challenge ourselves to improve our health as well.”

Proctor agrees.

“Running these races together brings such gratification to us and accountability for us to make our health a priority,” Proctor said. “We’ve truly enjoyed doing these runs and value the support for one another that we’ve created along the way.”

The sports journalist credits his strong support system, which includes his family and his cardiac rehab team, with his success.

“I am so grateful for cardiac rehab, because it took my recovery to a different level,” Prisbell said. “My eating habits were horrendous, and my sleep habits were horrendous, but with their encouragement, I’m nearly 50 pounds lighter and in the best shape of my life.”

With another 5K coming up, the trio is in training mode, and Prisbell has no plans to stop running.

“You never know where your journey’s headed, but if you’re moving in the right direction, each step forward is a step toward better fitness, better health and a longer life.”