Meet Your Neighbor: Jacke McCurdy

When Bonita Bay resident Jacke McCurdy injured her knee at work in 1994, she had her pick of the country's best surgeons to perform a replacement. The former corporate lawyer for Joseph E. Seagram and Son, Inc. was sent for consultations with top orthopedic surgeons in New York, Colorado, Chicago, Baltimore…and Fort Myers, Fla.

"Dr. John Fenning was practicing at Lee Memorial Hospital at the time and someone at my company knew his reputation," Jacke says of the world-renowned orthopedic surgeon. "All of the doctors I saw were very competent, but when I met with Dr. Fenning, I just knew the operation would work. "

"Most people at the company also knew I had a vacation home here, so they agreed he was the best option for me," she adds. "Lee Memorial Hospital had set up a floor for Dr. Fenning and his patients where I got remarkable care."

She was so pleased, in fact, that when she needed her other knee replaced in 2000, she had no doubts about going back to Dr. Fenning. "I had the same positive result and excellent care with the medical assistant and nurses on the floor that took care of me," she says. "They're very good and competent."

After her first knee was replaced, Jacke continued to lead an active life, jetting around the world on business trips and exotic vacations. She went on an African safari and even climbed the highest hill in the Galapagos Islands. She was told her replaced knee may only last 10 years, but she still has no problems after 16.

"I could go anywhere else, but I keep going to Lee Memorial Health System facilities," Jacke says. "I think it's the best." She adds that she's also had another operation with a system physician and when she finally decides to have her hip replaced, though Dr. Fenning is retired, she'll go back to his practice to see his colleague, Dr. Edward Humbert.

Now in retirement, Jacke still enjoys playing golf and staying active. She is involved with many community activities and is a supporter The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.

"I think what they've done with The Children's Hospital is outstanding," she says. "I give back to that and to Barbara's Friends [The Children's Hospital Cancer Fund] through time and effort." She has also supported the disabled arts program at HealthPark Medical Center.

"I got the best," Jacke says. "I didn't ask for it, but I got the best care as far as I'm concerned."