Back in February, during the first round of the Barnett Park Championships in Orlando, disc golf legend JohnE McCray suffered a massive myocardial infarction (heart attack) on the 13th hole. Thankfully, a doctor on the card ahead of JohnE identified the issue – paramedics were called.
Though coherent, with medics unable to find a pulse, McCray was rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, his heart stopped working. Chest compressions failed to bring JohnE back. By the time a defibrillator had revived his heart, FOUR MINUTES had passed without a single beat …
We’re very lucky JohnE’s still with us – he knows it, too.
That was over two months ago, though …
While a great deal has taken place in the world of disc golf, I’ve often wondered how McCray’s doing – how the recovery process is treating him. And, of course, when he’ll be back out on tour, however long that might take. So, I reached out to Jennifer, JohnE’s wife, over Facebook …
She connected the two of us for a quick update – here’s how things went down:
This one’s big: Both emotionally and physically, how are you feeling, JohnE?
“Emotionally, I’m extremely happy to be alive – it’s a blessing! I do get down a bit, due to a lack of energy right now. I’m not able to do the physical activities I used to, but that’ll come back once I’m fully released.
Please keep @JohnEMcCrayTour in your thoughts and prayers. From what I understand he started having chest pains today in a tournament. He’s had surgery and is in the icu. That’s all the info I’ve gathered from his wife’s posts on Facebook.
— zach melton (@zachmelton87) February 6, 2022
We love you Johne 🙏🏻
“Physically, my heart is beating like a champ. My diet has completely changed (again), so I’m getting used to that. I’m able to drive a car again, which is wonderful. I am allowed to start putting practice, too, so I’m excited about that.”
To date, how’s the recovery process treating you? Have there been any setbacks?
“Everyone is different, I’m told, with their recovery. However, my checkups have been very positive with no setbacks. This just takes time, and I’m listening and following what my medical team suggests.”
As far as a return to competition is concerned, what kind of timeline are doctors giving you?
“I have to wait for 90 days after the implant (AICD) to even think about really driving a disc.
“I have a goal set in my mind, but I’ll keep that in my mind for now so I don’t disappoint anyone if that goal isn’t met. I want to get back to competition, though – it’s what I love to do.”
How will your lifestyle differ once you’re back to your old self? On and off the course, will any changes need to be made?
“Changes are already being made with my diet. I am now on medication, so I’m not sure how that will affect competitive play, but we’ll find out. What will change on the course is my attitude. I am so grateful to be alive, and I’m going to carry that gratitude with me on the course at every tournament.”
I know you’re a religious man, JohnE: So far, what lesson (or lessons) do you feel like you’ve learned from this experience?
“My love for God has always been very strong – it’s even stronger now. Every day, Jennifer and I begin our day saying, ‘Thank you, Lord, for another day.’ I’ve learned I’m a vessel for God, and I feel like he’s using my journey to help spread awareness for all health issues.
“The messages my wife and I receive on a daily basis from people thanking us for sharing this experience with them are many. People have gotten themselves checked out medically and grown stronger in their faith – it’s amazing.
“God bless us all.”
How has the greater disc golf community supported you during this trying time?
“By far, the disc golf community is the most amazing to walk this earth.
“People have purchased my fundraiser discs online. Others have held charity events on my behalf. Many have prayed for me. Some bring food over to the house to give my wife a break so she can run to the grocery store – they’ll stay and sit with me, too.
“Amazing.”
Furthermore, what can our readers do to help you and your family?
“Well, it’s kind of a new saying with my family right now: I’m ‘The $300,000 Man.’
“That’s the low number on the medical bills. We didn’t have insurance when this happened, but we do now. I am starting to sell discs again online until I can get back out on tour. If anyone is interested in purchasing a disc, that would be great.
“BUT, the biggest thing I need are prayers – prayers for continued health.”
* Note: For more information on how you can help support the McCray family, click here.
As you continue to recover, what’s the one message you’d like to share with all of your fans?
“Please, get a checkup from your doctor – your health begins with you.
“I never thought this would happen to me, but it did. If a medical issue is found at a checkup, it’s better to know. What my poor wife had to witness has scarred her forever. She saw me die, get resuscitated and rushed away to surgery without knowing what would happen …
“The last words I remember hearing from her were: ‘You fight hard to come back to me – I’ll be here waiting for you.’ Don’t put your family members through that, if you can help it.
“Get those yearly checkups, clean up your diet, reduce your stress and get out there and exercise. During a casual round of disc golf, run to your next shot, get your heart rate up and blood flowing. Don’t sit around – get out there and be active!
“If you can’t exercise, get a dog so you have to take it on walks every day or get a bike and ride around the block a few times. Anything you can do, do it – just don’t sit still.”
It’s hard not to be inspired by JohnE, isn’t it?
With that St. Nick-style beard, he’s 49 going on 79, but that – nor a literal, minutes-long stay at death’s door – can slow the guy down. Armed with a gifted medical team, an adoring wife and an unshakeable faith in The Most High, rest assured, JohnE and disc golf won’t be apart for long …
Just you wait and see.
But don’t wait too much – remember: “Get out there and be active!”
Get better soon, JohnE.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
