“Thank you, Dr. Mehta and your team, for saving my life.”
At 47, Nateer Cirino was successfully managing a busy home life in New Jersey with a demanding finance career in New York. Despite staying proactive about her health, her life changed in an instant. She received life-saving care from experts at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s (CBMC) stroke center, certified by Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of stroke care capability including complex neurointerventional capabilities.
Nateer’s commitment to her health was shaped by her family’s history. Both her sisters had faced serious cardiovascular events at age 47, one suffering a “mini stroke” (TIA) and the other requiring a stent procedure. Having watched their experiences, Nateer was committed to prioritizing routine checkups to catch potential issues early.
“I said to myself, I need to be proactive,” she recalls. “I started seeing a cardiologist in my early 40s because I didn’t want to wait for something to happen.” Her checkups remained consistent and showed no areas of concern.
On February 28, 2025, everything felt routine. Nateer had taken her youngest son to a birthday party, spending time with other parents. Later that evening, she joined a large family phone call, helping plan an upcoming family reunion. “We were laughing, joking, everything was completely normal,” she recalls. “I had no symptoms at all.”
But early the next morning on March 1, 2025, something was wrong.
A Sudden Turn
When Nateer went to get out of bed, she suddenly lost her balance and fell back. Though she felt “fine” in her mind, her body told a different story. She struggled to talk and found herself leaning against the wall for support. Simple movements, like trying to wash her hands, became difficult, and her coordination was off.
Nateer’s husband, who would normally have already left for work, happened to still be home. He immediately noticed something wasn’t right. “He kept asking me questions, my name, if I was okay, and I didn’t understand why,” Nateer says. “Looking back, that moment saved my life. I truly believe God used my husband, Angel, to be my guardian angel that day.”
“I thought I just had a small headache. I was going to take medicine and go back to sleep,” says Nateer. “If Angel had gone to work that morning, I don’t know if I would be here today.”
Instead of letting Nateer “sleep it off,” Angel trusted his instincts and called for help. EMS quickly arrived and transported Nateer to a nearby hospital, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Rahway, where imaging revealed a blood clot in her brain.
Rapid Response, Expert Care
Nateer was quickly transferred to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC) for advanced stroke care. Upon arriving, Nateer’s care began immediately under the charge of Siddhart Mehta, MD, Medical Director of the Neurocatheterization Lab at CBMC and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. “I’ve never experienced anything like it,” she says. “Dr. Mehta met me as soon as I arrived. Everything moved so quickly, but I felt completely taken care of.”
Dr. Mehta performed an emergency thrombectomy, accessing and successfully removing the clot through an artery. “Throughout the entire process Dr. Mehta kept me and my family informed, taking the time to listen and thoroughly explain any concerns that we had,” Nateer shares.
Stroke care is extremely time-sensitive. According to Dr. Mehta, ischemic strokes, caused by a blockage in the blood flow to the brain, require immediate intervention to restore circulation and prevent lasting damage. “In stroke care, every minute matters,” Dr. Mehta explains. “The faster we can move the clot and restore blood flow, the better the outcome.”
Compassionate Care
Beyond the medical care, it was the people at CBMC who made the biggest impact on Nateer. “My entire stay was nothing but the best care that I have ever received. I have never met a hospital crew like that,” she shares. “They treated me like family. Every single person, from the doctors and nurses, to the transport team, to food and cleaning services, they were phenomenal.”
During her four-day stay, Nateer found the compassionate care to be consistent across every unit. “I remember being nervous about moving to a different floor because I thought there’s no way the next team could be as great as the first,” she says. “But every single floor was just as amazing.”
When it came time to go home, Nateer was overwhelmed with emotion. “They clapped for me when I was discharged,” she recalls. “I cried. I was so grateful.”
A Remarkable Recovery
Incredibly, Nateer experienced no lasting effects from her stroke. “Everyone was amazed,” she shares. “But I know that’s because of how quickly everything was handled. Dr. Mehta’s expert knowledge of my situation allowed him to act promptly and efficiently.”
Dr. Mehta emphasizes that early recognition and rapid treatment are critical. “Quick action can make all the difference,” he says. “Nateer’s outcome is a powerful example of that.”
In the months that followed, Nateer continued follow-up care with Dr. Mehta and her medical team. She later underwent a carotid stenting procedure, performed by Dr. Mehta, to treat an underlying condition.
A New Outlook on Life
Today, Nateer is thriving. “I’m so grateful to see the age of 49, because at 47, I didn’t even know if I would see 48,” she shares. “I feel phenomenal. I’m back at work, active, and I’m taking better care of myself than ever before.”
Motivated by her experience, Nateer set personal health goals, including improving her lifestyle and staying active. She has already lost 20 pounds and continues to focus on maintaining her health. “This experience changed how I see everything,” she says. “I’ve never taken life for granted, but now more than ever, I truly appreciate its value.”
In addition, Nateer continues to share her story to raise awareness about stroke. “I have shared my story with many, and so many people tell me that they wish they had a Dr. Mehta who cared for their well-being just like he did for me,” says Nateer. “He is most certainly one of a kind. He genuinely cares for his patient’s well-being while in his care and even after. He really puts his patients as a priority.”
For Nateer, March 1, 2025, will always be a turning point. “I’m here today because of the Lord our Savior, my husband Angel, Dr. Mehta, and because of the entire team at CBMC,” she says. “They gave me another chance at life.”
Nateer’s message is simple, but powerful, she says: “Learn your family history. Take care of yourself. Don’t take life for granted.”
Know The Signs: BE FAST
Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Terrible Headache – Time to Call 911
Dr. Mehta encourages everyone to learn about their personal stroke risk factors and recognize the warning signs of stroke. “If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately,” he says. “Acting fast can save a life.”
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs.
- Confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Dizziness, or trouble walking.
- Severe headache
At RWJBarnabas Health, we understand that every second counts when treating a stroke. That’s why our expert teams of stroke specialists are ready around the clock to deliver rapid, advanced care for complex stroke cases. As New Jersey's largest academic health care system, we ensure quick access to life-saving stroke treatments close to home. To learn more, click here.
