By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 11/25/04)

When walking into the DiNunzio home, the first instructions given are to cover shoes with scrub boots. Next, one is led to a sink and instructed to wash hands, dry and rub in a disinfecting foam. Only then is it possible to go upstairs into the medical zone to see Peggy DiNunzio, the recipient of a recent heart transplant.

Despite the drama of the past two months, Peggy greets visitors with a large smile and bright eyes from the corner chair near her bed.

"The world is an amazing place," Peggy said. While some may say there is no faith left in today’s world, Peggy and Ray DiNunzio, parishioners at St. Agnes Parish in Arlington, cannot see that.

Peggy’s story really begins eight years ago when she first started experiencing episodes of pain in her right-side jaw, arm and chest. The doctor diagnosed the pains as acid reflux disease.

But on Sept. 5, she suffered a massive heart attack. At the time, she and her family assumed it was another acid reflux attack.

"She was sweating and white as a ghost," said Ray, adding that he thought she must be in shock from one of her episodes. Her color eventually returned, and she and Ray went to a party that night where everything seemed to be fine.

Peggy continued through the week normally until Sept. 9 when she suffered another attack. They called the doctor, and after explaining the symptoms, he assessed that it could not be from acid reflux and that she should go to the hospital immediately.

After arriving at the hospital, Peggy was impatient to get home to her kids until one doctor finally told her that she would need immediate open-heart surgery.

"One day you think you’re fine, then the next," Peggy said, recalling her shock at the news.

Peggy’s heart had 95 percent blockage in the left ventricle, the most critical spot. During surgery, the doctors found that the "acid reflux episodes" that had been happening for the past eight years had actually been heart attacks, and they had left scars on her heart.

Peggy spent seven weeks in the hospital, first at Arlington then at INOVA Fairfax where she "served her sentence," said her husband, Ray. In Fairfax, she was evaluated for a new heart. This evaluation showed that she had a 79 percent chance that her body would reject the heart.

According to Ray, it usually takes several months to a year to get a heart transplant. The doctors and nurses said that never in their memory had someone gone home with a heart without some waiting period.

But on Oct. 4, the doctors told Peggy not to eat after midnight, and on Oct. 5, she received a new heart.

"People are unbelievable," she said, adding that all that has happened is a testament to the power of prayer. "I shouldn’t have lived."

The two massive heart attacks that started everything in September should have killed her, Ray added. The miracles began then.

Of the three DiNunzio children, Ray, the oldest, attends Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria. Phil and Andy attend St. Agnes School. Both school communities came together to help the family.

"From the minute our friends heard, we had dinner on the table every night," said Peggy.

At St. Agnes School, the students wore green wrist bands in honor of Peggy. The FBI, Ray’s employer is offering funds from a run on Nov. 23 to help with the family’s expenses.

People have donated medical supplies, hand cleaner and money to help with medical bills. One day, they looked out the window, and a crew of workers were clearing the leaves from the gutters and lawn.

People came and installed a shower in their basement that is now used by the kids after they come home from school to get rid of germs and dirt.

"We wouldn’t have been able to bring her home without it," said Ray.

The priests from St. Agnes were involved. Father Chris Pollard, parochial vicar, would keep late nights at the hospital with the family. Msgr. John Cilinski, retired, would come and was always able to make Peggy laugh. Parishioners gathered at adoration, for rosaries and other prayers.

Another St. Agnes parishioner, Pete Davey, kept a Web site updated with news about Peggy. One day, the site received 7,000 hits. Strangers and people from other states would send e-mails and prayers.

"I didn’t realize there were so many Christians in the world," Peggy said, adding that even the nurses and doctors would pray with her. "I think everyone in the world has been praying for me.

"Good has come out of this," Peggy said.

Before her medical crisis began, Peggy said she would often pray for people, but she didn’t realize how important that was.

"God works in mysterious ways," Ray said, adding that this has been a tool to get people back to God. The priests have told them that the people are uniting as a Church community.

"She may be a tool to get them back to the faith," he said. It’s also a reminder to stop and appreciate all the precious gifts God gives. "It is hard on this side to accept being that tool," he added.

The gift of her new heart was the greatest gift to Peggy. She wants to know more about the 37-year-old woman who donated the organ.

"It’s the greatest gift anyone could give you," Peggy said, adding that she is saddened to think that this woman’s family is now coping with a loss.

The story is not over yet. For the next year, Peggy will return to the hospital frequently so doctors can check to be sure the body is not rejecting the heart. In this recovery stage, Peggy’s immune system is suppressed meaning that even the slightest sicknesses would greatly affect her.

"God had a plan," Peggy said. Ray added that since before she was born, God knew that this heart was meant for her.

"I’m not the one who’s amazing," Peggy said. "It’s God and the people supporting us." She explained that she had no choice but to carry this cross. Others, however, had to choose to be amazing.

To continue helping Ray and Peggy DiNunzio, gift donations may be sent to their home at 2100 N. Jefferson St., Arlington, Va., 22207 or online at www.bishopireton.org/peggy.