All in the family

Bob

Austin and John Tripodi make heart health a family affair.

So often, you hear stories of conflict and friction between stepfathers and stepsons. Such isn’t the case with Bob Austin and his stepson John Tripodi.

“John and I get along great. He has three of the most beautiful children and it’s a joy for me to be able to watch them grow up,” says Bob. “I actually spend more time with John’s children than my own grandchildren because we live so close to each other and my wife and I see them quite often.”

Eleven years ago, Bob was new to Spruce Creek Golf & Country Club in Summerfield, so he attended a party to meet fellow residents. It was at that faithful gathering he met Patricia, John’s mother. It was love at first sight.

“We just hit it off from there and started dating,” says Bob. “Then the rest, of course, is history.”

Over the years, the families have blended seamlessly. Patricia and Bob love to watch John’s children participate in their various sports like soccer and karate. And celebrations are a constant between the two families. In the month of February alone, there are four birthdays.

“A lot of our time together centers around the children,” says John. “And since I live in Ocala, it makes it easy for us to all stay in touch.”

However, little did John and Bob know that respective heart issues would strengthen their family bond. Bob first began seeing Dr. Qamar Asad 11 years ago. Patricia was already a faithful patient of Dr. Qamar’s and suggested Bob see him for his tachycardia.

Bob’s tachycardia progressed into tachy-brady syndrome, and then eventually into atrial fibrillation.

Nevertheless, through it all, Bob says Dr. Qamar has been there, giving him the one-onone patient care he needs to maintain his quality of life.

“He’s outstanding,” says Bob. “He really takes his time with you and gets to know you on a personal level. I enjoy going to him so much I wouldn’t dream of going to any other heart doctor.”

Such glowing compliments from his mother and stepfather solidified John’s decision to pay a visit to Dr.

Qamar four years ago when he turned 40. With no obvious health problems, John anticipated a simple and easy physical that would result in a clean bill of health.

“I was a little surprised when Dr. Qamar found a blockage, but he said it was mild and it would be best for me to start preventative care,” says John. “Now I watch what I eat and try not to sweat the small stuff.”

That’s a huge feat for someone who works in the stressful world of advertising and marketing.

“I had to learn stress management so I could prevent my condition for getting worse,” John explains.

Both men agree their biggest motivation to stay healthy is and will always be family.

“I’ve become very close to John and his family, so I certainly want to stick around and watch them grow up,” says Bob.

“I want to be around to see my kids grow up, too,” adds John, “and my future grandkids.”

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