The year 2020 was challenging for most, but especially for Scott Bessler of Naperville. In February 2020, just as the world was becoming aware of COVID-19, Bessler, then 61, began to experience recurrent fevers and sought medical care.

After testing negative for the coronavirus, other tests were performed leading to a diagnosis of endocarditis, a serious infection of the inner lining of the heart and valves, by cardiologist Sujith Kalathiveetil, M.D. After receiving a course of intravenous antibiotics and improving, Bessler returned home.

“Several weeks later, Mr. Bessler returned to the ER with fever, severe headache and a facial droop,” says Dr. Kalathiveetil. “Despite initially responding to antibiotics, we realized that Scott’s heart valve infection had now spread to his brain, and he had developed both a stroke and meningitis.”

Meningitis, an infection and inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Early signs may feel like the flu but can progress quickly. Symptoms such as fever, severe headache, confusion, vomiting and stiff neck are very common.

Meningitis is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.

At this time, Bessler was considered critically ill and cardiac surgeon Brian Foy, M.D., was consulted to replace his aortic valve. After about 10 days in the intensive care unit, Bessler was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility for two weeks before returning home. But the road to full recovery still lay ahead of him.

“I ended up spending months in day rehab,” says Bessler, who notes the experience was at times frustrating and scary. “Before this, I had never been in the hospital or had a serious illness. It was a little disconcerting.”

But Bessler was committed to returning to normal and says it took about two full years to feel back to 100%. At that time, he began to think about running again, something that had been a recreational activity for him before his illness. “I had only run turkey trots and things like that,” he says. “I had gotten back to the point where I was running 1-2 miles after being sick, but couldn’t quite get past that marker.”

Bessler needed a goal to aim for and found it in the 2022 Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon. “Somehow, I was able to convince myself that I could do that half marathon,” says Bessler, who adds that his goal was to finish under his own power and ahead of course closure.

On Oct. 16, 2022, he achieved his goal. “I knew I’d be slow, but I did it! I was pleased with myself.” And while Bessler’s race included a lot of walking, that was just fine with him.

Dr. Kalathiveetil says that after a stroke and meningitis, it’s not uncommon for patients to have permanent neurological deficits, but that Bessler had an incredible recovery and has almost no deficits.

“I was just floored by his determination and resilience,” Dr. Kalathiveetil says. “He viewed his recovery as an opportunity and made the most of it.” Dr. Kalathiveetil goes on to say how gratifying it is to have patients like Bessler, that find the inner strength to move beyond such difficult events.

Today, Bessler is doing well and grateful for the positivity and support of Dr. Kalathiveetil and all the Edward-Elmhurst Health staff that helped him throughout his recovery.

As for running, Bessler is still at it. “I haven’t signed up for next year yet, but it’s likely that I will,” he says. “And maybe this time with a little more training, I will actually run the whole way.”

Your heart is in good hands when you choose us for cardiovascular care. Learn more about our high-quality heart care.

To find out if you’re at risk for heart disease, take an online HeartAware assessment.