Hyperbaric Services, Andrus Pavilion
Listen to Tomas Cruz’s story
90% Healed From Stroke & Bladder Despair!
— Katherine (Cruz) Laroza, daughter of Tomas Cruz
My father has always been the rock of our family, our financial guide, wise advisor, and the heart of our extended clan. In March 2025, while undergoing prostate cancer treatment, he suffered two debilitating strokes that left him unable to speak or stand. To make matters worse, radiation had damaged his bladder, causing uncontrollable bleeding. Yet he needed to remain on blood thinners to prevent further strokes, which only intensified the bleeding.
We spent seven weeks moving between three hospitals and a rehabilitation center, only to learn that no one could stop the bleeding. Doctors warned us it would likely be fatal. We were desperate—until a doctor mentioned that hyperbaric oxygen therapy might be his only hope.
I launched a frantic search for a facility offering hyperbaric treatment within a 50-mile radius. I called hospitals and private clinics, only to be told they were full, had weeks-long waits, or didn’t accept our insurance. Paying $1,200 per day for an estimated 60 sessions wasn’t feasible—but we kept looking.
Then we found St. John’s Riverside Hospital. First call I spoke to Kimberly Ramirez who arranged for Dr. Paul Antonecchia to see my father as soon as possible. Christopher Benitez arranged transportation from the current rehab to be evaluated.
“From our first call, their team understood the urgency. Dr. Gary Tannenbaum and CMO Dr. Paul Antonecchia moved mountains to get my father into treatment immediately—before insurance approval—because saving his life was their priority.” — Katherine (Cruz) Laroza, daughter of Tomas Cruz
Since day one Kimberly Ramirez, Christopher Benitez, Mirsha Hernandez (the nurse that assists him in the machine every day, made him smile, practiced his speech, practiced walking & truly motivated him) & Dr. Paul Antonecchia (has done every single evaluation) have been our A Team. They have truly moved mountains to change our lives.
They prescribed 60 sessions, five days a week. By day 50, he was 90% healed. He can now walk, hold a spoon, move his hands, and start speaking again. Incredibly, his bladder almost completely stopped bleeding in just seven days of treatment.
We owe everything to the St. John’s hyperbaric team. Their dedication, compassion, and refusal to give up gave us hope when others had none. They restored not just my father’s health, but his dignity.
Thank God I didn’t give up—and thank God for St. John’s Riverside Hospital. They were truly an answer to our prayers.