During almost 62 years of marriage, James and Hope Cockrell have lived lots of life together.

About 10 years ago, the Ripley couple took togetherness to a whole new level. 

“James’ sister had a heart screening done, and she kept on after us to get it done too,” Hope says.

A Nudge that Changed Everything

Neither of them had experienced any symptoms to insinuate they might have anything to worry about. But to pacify her, in July 2016 the Cockrells scheduled a heart screening together at Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi in Tupelo. 

Their screening results troubled cardiologist Dr. Barry Bertolet, who scheduled both for a heart catheterization to explore further. James and Hope had their procedures done the same day at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Dr. Bertolet found blocked arteries in both hearts. James had four blockages, while Hope had three, and none of them were treatable with stents.

So—you guessed it—James and Hope were both scheduled for heart surgery on the same day. 

After surgery, they recovered in hospital rooms that were side by side. “One of our sons stayed with James, and the other son stayed with me,” Hope says. “We both did great – no problems whatsoever, and no heart issues since then.”

Living Proof

James and Hope continue to see Dr. Bertolet once a year just to keep a check on things. 

Now at 78 and 79 years old, the Cockrells continue to enjoy life together and, to some degree, have James’ sister to thank.

"We thought we were in perfect health,” Hope says. “She probably saved our lives.”