By all accounts, Steven Hietpas shouldn’t be alive today.

When he arrived for his follow-up appointment after life-saving open-heart surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, he recalls his surgeon greeting him with these words: “I never thought I’d see you again.” At his one-year check-up, his doctor called him “the legend.”

Steven’s journey began while he was being treated for sepsis at a local hospital in Maine. When his blood pressure wouldn’t stop dropping, he was rushed to the Brigham in a race against time, where he ultimately underwent an urgent, nearly 10-hour surgery. Steven credits his world-class care team with helping him beat the odds.

“I’m on borrowed time right now—I should never have made it out of that situation at all,” says Steven, referring to the complex surgery, which included a double bypass, removal of an abscess and infected artificial heart valve and conduit, and pacemaker installation.

“My providers’ teamwork and communication were incredible,” Steven says. “They made me feel so secure and gave me a chance at life again.”

Feeling better now than he has in decades, Steven and his wife, Sheree, were inspired to show their deep appreciation by including a gift to the Brigham in their trust. Their bequest supports cardiac surgery, ensuring that future generations of patients can benefit from the same unparalleled care and expertise that saved Steven’s life.

To honor the couple’s bequest, the Brigham welcomed them into The Brigham Legacy Society, which celebrates supporters who include the hospital in their estate plans and are committed to supporting the future of medicine.

“It’s the least we could do,” says Steven. “I can say ‘thank you’ a million times, but it doesn’t even come close to expressing what they did for us. If our gift saves just one person, that’s a huge win.”