Rehabbing a cheerful heart in Bloomington

In July 2025, Jesse Prince was hit by a drunk driver while driving his tractor. The crash caused the tractor to flip several times, leaving him with multiple broken bones in addition to a heart attack.

Prince began cardiac rehabilitation at IU Health Bloomington in September 2025 and credits the program with improving his quality of life both mentally and physically. He has also found a sense of community, forming close relationships with his care team and fellow patients.

“It's just fun and uplifting being around other positive people and being able to talk with others who are going through similar things,” said Prince.

His care team describes him as a natural cheerleader who motivates and encourages other patients during each session.

In celebration of Cardiac Rehab Week, his care team presented Prince with a certification of appreciation to show their gratitude for him and the positive impact he’s had on others.

“You don't realize whose life you're influencing when you're acting a little silly and having a good time,” said Prince, who has graduated from the cardiac rehab program.

He still works out in the cardiac rehab gym three times a week through the gym membership offering for program graduates. He also tries to go to the gym outside of those sessions.

When Prince first started rehab, he could only lift two pounds with one of his arms. Recently, he was excited to show one of his physiologists that he achieved his goal of doing one handed push-ups again.

Prince encourages others in cardiac rehab to stay open-minded and committed to showing up for themselves.

“If you're going to be successful, you’ve got to be around successful people,” said Prince. “Everybody has a story and different experiences to learn from.”