Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan recently welcomed Elon University Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Greg Herenda for a special visit during the NCAA Final Four, a poignant return to the city where he received life-saving care seven years ago.

In 2018, while in San Antonio for the Final Four, Herenda, then the head coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University, suffered a medical emergency. He was rushed to Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, where he spent 15 days, including eight in intensive care, before making a remarkable recovery. The following year, his team achieved a historic first NCAA Tournament win, a milestone he partially credits to the support he received during his hospitalization.

"It is extremely difficult to put into words how much appreciation I have for all of the great people that were there for me," said Herenda. "The care, love and support that I received was the driving force for my recovery. I know one thing - if it weren't for the people at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, I would never have been able to get back to the NCAA in 2019. They, along with my players, were my driving force."

During his visit, Herenda expressed his deep gratitude and reconnected with some of the healthcare professionals who were instrumental in his recovery.

Greg Seiler, CEO of Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, shared his appreciation for Herenda’s return. "Our mission of 'serving humanity to honor God' is at the heart of everything we do. It is so meaningful to all of us that a former patient from seven years ago experienced that mission firsthand and came back to express his gratitude for our healthcare heroes. It is truly an honor for us all, and a testament to the incredible work our team does each and every day."