Heart Attack Survivor Thanks Doctors by Giving Back
Longtime Scripps Health supporter continues valued community involvement
From his first gift to Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas in 1988, David Kulchin and his wife, Ann, have been deeply committed to the nonprofit hospital. Their long history of support has helped Scripps Encinitas provide lifesaving care and services to the community — and David himself.
On an early morning walk with Ann on December 1, 2008, David suddenly became extremely weak.
At that early hour, the Kulchins were surprised to hear a woman calling down from her balcony, asking if she should call 911. David tried to wave her off, but Ann wasn’t taking any chances. The paramedics took David to the emergency department at Scripps Encinitas, where it was confirmed that he suffered a minor heart attack.
He was also diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The Kulchins are especially grateful to Pingfeng Du, MD, for his continued care and attention.
“Once I was in the emergency room, the team had it all under control right away,” David says. “I was so impressed by the care and attention I received, and not just from the nurses, but from everyone, even the people who were cleaning the floors.”
Ann adds, “We had a lot of questions, and the doctors explained everything until they were sure we understood. We are so fortunate to have Scripps Encinitas serve our growing North County communities.”
Longtime community involvement in San Diego's North County
In addition to the couple’s 25-year giving history to the hospital, David became a member of the Scripps Encinitas Community Advisory Board in 1992 and served as chair from 1994-1996. In 2010, David rejoined the community advisory board and was again appointed chair.
In his role, he served as an ambassador of the nonprofit hospital, raising awareness about its philanthropic needs and promoting its quality patient care services.
Carlsbad Fire Chief Kevin Crawford now chairs the volunteer board, but David continues to serve on the board and be a strong advocate for Scripps Encinitas.
The Scripps Encinitas Community Advisory Board has helped raise more than $10 million to support the Campaign for Scripps Encinitas, the largest capital campaign project in the history of North County.