CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A Cleveland woman is celebrating her 103rd birthday, which wouldn't have been possible without a major heart surgery when she was 79.

Dec. 20 marked 103 years around the sun for Cecilia Zarobila of Cleveland.

She celebrated alongside the University Hospitals physician and medical team who have helped her stay alive and well.

University Hopsitals say back in 2001 when Zarobila was 80 years old, she began to experience shortness of breath.

That's how her cardiologist, UH Dr. Michel Farah, diagnosed her with congestive heart failure. She later underwent quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery.

University Hospitals says it wasn't easy for Zarobila after the surgery -- Her chest was kept open... She had an abnormal heart rhythm... She was on a respirator for 17 days...

"But with excellent postoperative care, she recovered and her heart strengthened," a hospital spokesperson said.

Now more than 20 years after the surgery, Zarobila celebrated her birthday at her most recent cardiology appointment.

Staff at UH Minoff Health Center in Chagrin Highlands surprised her with a birthday cake and celebration.