February 18, 2025

I just need a chance

Billy Cardosi spent his life putting his family and job first. Then a heart-related health scare changed everything.

In 2024, Billy Cardosi felt the need to get his physical and spiritual health in order.

At age 45, Billy Cardosi decided that he needed a change. Cardosi was a high school teacher and longtime football coach. He and his wife, Reyna Cardosi, had spent the previous decade managing infertility and adoption, and caring for Billy’s sick father. Cardosi prided himself on putting his family and work first. But in April 2024, “I felt like God was telling me to get my spiritual and physical health in order. I wasn’t happy, and I didn’t feel good,” said Cardosi.

He resigned from his position as a football coach and started slowly losing weight. A family vacation would reveal that Cardosi would need to make more drastic changes — and fast.

Concerning signs in South Dakota

Cardosi family standing in front of Mount Rushmore — Billy and his family enjoyed a family trip to see Mount Rushmore just 2 weeks before he was hospitalized.

While on a family trip to South Dakota, Cardosi noticed he felt tired and out of breath. He struggled to keep pace with his wife, and his legs swelled up. Although he and his family attributed the symptoms to the elevation and travel, Cardosi decided to see a doctor after his trip.

When Cardosi’s primary care physician listened to his heart, he told Cardosi to go to the emergency room immediately. Cardosi was admitted to Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and an irregular, rapid heartbeat. During his 3-day hospital stay, Cardosi became determined to change his lifestyle to be there for his family.

“I remember saying to a doctor, ‘I just need a chance — just give me a chance to change,’” said Cardosi.

A second chance

And change he did. Cardosi adopted a nutritious diet of lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. He cut down on alcohol, caffeinated drinks, diet sodas, and processed foods and increased his water intake. He pushed himself to walk at least 10,000 steps a day, using his work break to walk around his school’s campus. He also joined Kaiser Permanente’s virtual cardiac rehabilitation program. He worked closely with a team of cardiac experts, who monitored his blood pressure, heart rate, and medications virtually.

For Cardosi, this program provided the structure that he needed.

“After I finished the 8-week program, I asked to stay on the program. I loved the accountability it provided,” said Cardosi.

Changing his life for himself and his family

Cardosi family standing in living room with new baby — Since adopting a new healthier lifestyle, Billy Cardosi has lost 80 pounds and has more energy. He continues to be devoted to his wife, daughter, and new son, Ezekiel.

Cardosi’s wife is thrilled to see him improve his health, not only for himself, but for her, their daughter, Aylish, and their new baby boy, Ezekiel.

“Obviously, it was one of the scariest times of our lives, but it was amazing to see his determination and commitment to getting healthy for our family. He has so much more energy and has improved his physical, mental, and spiritual health. He’s become an inspiration to our family,” said Reyna Cardosi.

Billy Cardosi continues to maintain his diet and has lost 80 pounds so far. He plans on running a 5K race to celebrate his progress.