Nick Carabetta is a dedicated husband and father of three, the proud President of Gras Lawn, a busy landscaping and snow removal company based in Lakewood, New Jersey, and now, a survivor of cardiovascular surgery.

Nick’s journey to Deborah wasn’t planned. He had lived for years with a heart murmur, but felt fine. It wasn’t until a calcium score test — prompted by his primary care physician — revealed a serious risk that he found himself needing expert cardiac care. Thankfully, a close friend connected him with Cyndy Kornfeld from Deborah’s Volunteer Services team. She quickly helped arrange a call with Dr. Ice, setting in motion a life-changing chain of events.

A routine cardiac catheterization revealed coronary artery disease findings more serious than expected. Dr. Ice’s instincts led to further testing, and the team soon discovered a leaking aortic valve. It was a pivotal moment. Rather than rushing into surgery, the Deborah team approached the situation with patience, precision and empathy. Dr. Cheng and his colleagues ordered a transesophageal ultrasound and crafted a comprehensive surgical plan that addressed the problem.

“From the very beginning, I felt like the only patient in the hospital,” Nick recalled. “Everyone treated me with respect, compassion and genuine care. It felt more like a mom-and-pop shop than a big medical center — but with world-class expertise.”

His wife, Kerrianne, never left his side, staying with him overnight and supporting him throughout the entire process. Their children — Ava, Nicholas and Joseph — were never far from his thoughts as he prepared for surgery.

“I was terrified heading into the operating room,” Nick shared. “But one of the team members noticed and showed me his own surgical scars from earlier this year. That small gesture meant the world to me. It calmed me down and reminded me I wasn’t alone.”

Following his surgery, the care only deepened. From attentive nurses like AJ DelaRosa and Dayna Brown, who managed to make him laugh on his first walk post-op, to the physicians who coordinated every step with skill and confidence — Nick felt supported in every way. And when he recovered enough to return to the SICU floor in July, he made a point to personally thank the team who helped bring him back to health.

Deborah’s role in Nick’s family runs deep. His grandfather underwent bypass surgery here, and his father received a stent at Deborah years later. Now, Nick continues the legacy — not just as a patient, but as a living example of what compassionate, expert care can do.

Only ten weeks after surgery, Nick is back to work full-time, walking the boardwalk with his wife, kids and two dogs — Scooby and Murphy — and celebrated another Father’s Day surrounded by loved ones. He even hosted a July birthday bash, where old college friends and family gathered to celebrate his recovery. Inspired by Nick’s experience, many of them have since scheduled calcium tests and cardiac checkups of their own.

“Deborah is top-notch. The people, the care, the follow-through — it’s unlike anywhere else. I’m grateful beyond words,” he said.

Nick’s story is a reminder that heart care is never one-size-fits-all. At Deborah, it’s personal, and it’s built on a foundation of kindness that continues to change — and save — lives every day.