Heart patient turned canoe champion

From open heart surgery to the open waters of the Mississippi River, John Finnen remains strong at heart. With a family history of cardiovascular disease, including his own, the 58-year-old competitive canoe racer always knew his heart needed extra care. To prevent a serious heart issue, John turned to Geisinger cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Joseph Stella, who carefully monitored John but believed he’d one day need heart surgery. That day came in 2013 when John suffered a mild heart attack during a bike ride. He called Dr. Stella from the ambulance.