My story begins back in 2009 when I started to get a sore calf muscle and pain in my buttocks.

I got my iliac arteries stented and felt brilliant after a week.

I could walk lot better for a few years.

But then I started to get pain in both of my legs.

I had wounds on my left foot that wouldn’t heal.

So, I went back to the hospital and they told me all they could do for my left leg was amputation.

I couldn’t take the pain anymore and my toes were all infected.

So, I told them to go ahead and take my leg.

I wish I didn’t.

I wish I would’ve gotten a second opinion first.

So, when they failed to be able to fix my right leg with stents, and told me again that the only option was amputation, I say, “No!”

I decided to do some research other options and I joined The Way To My Heart’s Facebook group and got in contact with lot people on there.

The admins of the group put me in touch with a consultant in London, Dr. Lorenzo Patrone.

I went down to see him and he said he can help save my leg!

He did a great job!

I felt my foot warm for the first time for awhile!

That was four years ago now!

Even though I had to foot the bill for travel from Aberdeen, Scotland to London and the procedure, I felt it was worth it because I still have my leg today!.

It was worth it because Dr. Patrone and his staff were brilliant.

William’s story as told by Kym McNicholas, founder of The Way To My Heart:

“You treat disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you’ll win no matter what the outcome.”

Words first spoken by Patch Adams, that are now music to the ears of William Smith after he found a Consultant Interventional Radiologist who takes that mantra to heart.

Northwick Park Hospital’s Dr. Lorenzo Patrone restored hope in Smith, that he could live a better quality of life.

Smith, who lives in Aberdeen, Scotland, was diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease, Raynaud’s, and Scleroderma in 2012.

Doctors told him the only option to treat blocked arteries in his left leg, was an above-the-knee amputation. Trusting his vascular surgeon, he went through with it in 2013.

When he faced the same scenario six years later for his right leg, he feared his fate was sealed as a double amputee. William reached out for support in social media groups managed by 501(c)(3) The Way To My Heart.

He said, “I know a double amputation is a death sentence. I want to see my son graduate High School.”

We immediately connected him with Dr. Patrone even though he was located thousands of miles away. in London, England.

Dr. Patrone volunteers his time with our organization to provide a second opinion for no-option patients.

Dr. Patrone advised Smith of other interventional options that could save his leg. Smith’s vascular specialists, not trained in advanced endovascular limb salvage, still told him no option but amputation.

Dr. Patrone offered to treat Smith if he flew to London.

Smith made the trip.

“It’s now about 4 years since the operation and William told me that he is rest pain free without any need for reintervention.” ~ Dr. Patrone