News & Stories

In January 2024, life seemed as normal as ever for Cyndi Jiacopello. But when she began experiencing blurred vision in her right eye, she brushed it off as a sign she simply needed stronger reading glasses.

By the spring, her symptoms worsened. One night while watching TV, she suddenly lost vision in her right eye for about 10 seconds. “It was like someone shut a shutter over my eye and then lifted it quickly,” she recalled. Soon after, she experienced the same frightening loss of vision while driving.

Her search for answers took her to multiple doctors, hospitals, and specialists. An eye exam revealed a nearly blocked carotid artery. But to her surprise, two different vascular surgeons told her surgery was too risky—estimating a 70–80% chance of severe brain injury if they attempted it. Instead, she was advised to “keep an eye on it.”

“That was terrifying,” she said. “I was walking around waiting to have a stroke. My husband was afraid to leave me alone. My children didn’t know what to do.”

A Different Answer at Cooper

Her cardiologist refused to accept that “do nothing” was the only option and referred her to Cooper University Health Care. Although her initial referral was to a neurologist who didn’t handle her condition, the Cooper team quickly connected her with Dr. Sharon Lewis, who listened intently to her story.

The very next morning, Dr. Lewis called with urgency—Cyndi’s case had kept her up at night. She had discussed it with her colleague, neurosurgeon Dr. Daniel Tonetti, who saw her the following day.

From the moment she met Dr. Tonetti, she felt a sense of relief. After reviewing her records and speaking with other physicians, he told her surgery wasn’t just possible—it was necessary. “He was shocked it hadn’t been done months ago,” she said.

Dr. Tonetti explained that she had a “string sign” carotid stenosis, where her internal carotid artery was narrowed to a threadlike channel (>99% blocked) and carotid artery stenting would be needed to restore blood flow and stabilize her artery. In cases like hers, the procedure is technically demanding: the lumen was critically narrowed, the vessel wall fragile, and any misstep could cause a stroke. Successful treatment would require expert neurosurgical intervention, using specialized techniques and protection strategies to safely open the artery and prevent embolization.

It was only after coming to Cooper University Hospital that Cyndi found both the explanation for her symptoms and a treatment plan that directly addressed the root cause. With Cooper’s expertise in complex cerebrovascular disease, she was able to receive the precise intervention needed to prevent a stroke and restore stability to her blood flow.

Dr. Tonetti took the time to meet with her, her husband, and even her daughter to explain the procedure and answer every question. “He made us feel safe and confident,” she said. “He’s one of the most caring and personable doctors I’ve ever met.”

A New Chapter

The surgery was a success, and her life was transformed. “I had a blast planning my son’s wedding which was this past June— before this procedure I did not even know I was going to be here for it. A passion of both my husband and I is snow skiing; so, this past winter we went out west and went skiing for an entire month.  I thank Dr. Tonetti for all of this and more.”

Her gratitude extends to everyone at Cooper. “There’s not enough thanks I can give for genuinely giving me my life back. The gratitude I have is immeasurable.”

Her Advice to Others

She hopes her story inspires others facing difficult diagnoses to keep searching for answers. “If you do not like what you are hearing in regard to your health, keep seeking professional help in every avenue necessary. Don’t stop, it is your life to live.”

Today, she’s living hers to the fullest—thanks to the team at Cooper.