First published 2024-11-11 23:47:58
On Veterans Day, the resilient story of U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Lewis B. Smith Jr. was brought to light, encapsulating the themes of heroism, legacy, and medical triumph. From Country Club Hills, veteran Lewis Smith found himself facing a new battle post-military service: heart failure. Despite this daunting challenge, his soldier’s spirit, forged over 21 years with tours in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Germany, and Korea, remained unwavering. By age 63, doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital diagnosed him with a genetic heart condition, warning that his heart function had plummeted to a mere 10%, necessitating a life-saving heart transplant.
Amidst the profound implications of surgery, a poignant request defined his journey. In a deeply personal appeal, Smith asked his surgeon to preserve his cherished tattoo, inscribed with the lyrics “I did it my way” from Frank Sinatra’s iconic song. This tattoo symbolized a powerful connection to his late father, a fellow soldier, and resonated with the father-son memories forged in shared musical moments. The surgical team, mindful of his wishes, took painstaking care during the procedure, achieving a remarkable alignment of the artwork post-transplant. Smith’s gratitude towards the staff is matched by his relief and joy at the preservation of this lasting tribute.
Today, Lewis Smith’s narrative stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. Nearly a year after triumphantly ringing the hospital bell post-transplant, he resumes his passions—motorcycle rides, fatherhood, and grandparenting—with unyielding joy. Attuned to the significance of his second chance, Smith remains under the dedicated care of Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, benefitting from its long-standing partnership with Northwestern Medicine in providing specialized veterans’ healthcare. With heartfelt pride, alongside his commitments to family and self, he embraces life anew, reflecting, “I have no regrets,” as he exemplifies the enduring spirit of those who serve.
