George Markos knew something didn’t feel right.

He had just run up the stairs at work, and while his breathing returned to normal, his pulse didn’t. On his way home that night, George stopped at the local hospital to get checked out, thinking it would be a quick visit.

After a five-day hospital stay, however, George’s heart rate still wasn’t under control. His wife, Jill, insisted they go to Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

George’s care team at the Brigham first adjusted his medications and then performed a cardioversion, a medical procedure that uses quick, low-energy shocks to restore a regular heart rhythm. A few years after the Brigham returned his abnormal heartbeat to a normal rhythm, George underwent a cardiac ablation at his doctor’s recommendation.

Today, George feels like “a million bucks.” He’s resumed his active lifestyle, including kickboxing, hiking with Jill, and spending time with his five grandchildren four of whom were born at the Brigham.

“Throughout all my experiences at the Brigham, everyone I’ve met has been so comforting and caring,” George says.

Grateful for this care, the Markoses started making annual gifts to the hospital, including to the Caregivers Fund, which supports the Brigham’s community of caregivers. By giving to the Caregivers Fund, the couple had the opportunity to be part of the Brigham’s Helix display.

Located in the heart of the Brigham’s main campus, the Helix is a DNA-shaped installation of mirrors that offers donors a meaningful way to honor their loved ones or caregivers while also providing funding to support and celebrate Brigham staff through the Caregivers Fund.

For George and Jill, the Helix gave them the perfect opportunity to create a lasting tribute to their late parents.

Their personal inscriptions reads:

In memory of Kenneth W.
and Ann N. Sears
GEORGE AND JILL MARKOS

In memory of John “Yogi”
and Helen E. Markos
THEIR LOVING CHILDREN

“Being part of the Helix display allows us to memorialize our affection for our parents,” says George. “It’s a way for us to say, ‘We wouldn’t be where we are today without you’.”

Quite simply, it just felt right.