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Self-taught stone mason Jedinko Markanovic, a Bosnian who left his country and lives in Croatia, is up Thursday, Nov. 20, two days after receiving a spinal fusion operation at Grandview Hospital from Dr. Scott West (right). Markanovic told his cousin, Snow Mendelsohn (left) of Cincinnati, that this is the second time Dayton has saved his life. Markanovic was hunkered down in a fighting trench in Bosnia in 1995 when an officer handed down word that a peace pact to end the hostilities had been signed in Dayton. Staff photo by Chris StewartClick to enlarge

Thanksgiving isn't a holiday in Croatia, but a construction worker from the country is giving thanks for medical care he received in the Miami Valley.

Jedinko Markanovic, 42, who was born in Bosnia and now lives in Croatia, traveled to Dayton for spinal fusion surgery at Grandview Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Hospital spokesman Kevin Lavoie said the surgery was performed free of charge by Dr. Scott West, a Grandview neurosurgeon who heard about Markanovic's condition from Dr. Jon Mendelsohn, whose wife is Markanovic's cousin.

"West donated his skills for this surgery and Grandview Hospital donated the use of the operating room, the support staff, and the recovery stay," Lavoie said. "In addition, the Abbott Spine company stepped up for Jedinko and provided all the screws, rods other surgical hardware. Charges for the spinal fusion procedures are estimated at over $70,000."

Speaking through his interpreter, his cousin Snow Mendelsohn of Cincinnati, Markanovic said after the successful surgery, "It is like I am born again now that I am in Dayton getting help in a good hospital with a great doctor. I have hope for myself now, and my family."