In March 2005, my dad had just celebrated his 41st birthday--completely unaware that his life was about to change forever. Not long after, doctors discovered that he had cardiomyopathy and was experiencing episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VTach). With that diagnosis came a whirlwind of emotions. My dad soon had a defibrillator and pacemaker implanted to help keep his heart in rhythm--devices that would quietly protect him every single day. The idea of a heart transplant was explored, but thankfully, his medication regimen worked well enough to keep things stable. For the time being, it seemed like life could move forward.
For nearly 20 years, our family has been so grateful. Grateful for the doctors, for the medication, and for the gift of time that allowed my dad to live a normal, full life, with modifications. But this past spring, our world was turned upside down again.
Despite the medications continuing to help, my dad's numbers began to show serious signs of heart failure. His heart wasn't the only concern anymor--his lungs were now being affected too, with dangerously high pulmonary pressures. That's when his doctors decided it was time to begin the evaluation process to be placed on the transplant list for a heart-lung bloc. What followed was a blur of doctor's appointments, a few hospital stays, and endless prayers. We held on to hope that the need for a transplant was still years away.
But life had other plans. On September 23, 2025, my dad was admitted to Jefferson Hospital in downtown Philadelphia. It became clear that medication could only do so much at this poin--his heart and lungs needed more help than they could give. His medical team helped to keep things moving and finished up the evaluation so his case could be reviewed. Then, on October 21, 2025, we received the news that changed everything again: my dad was officially approved and added to the transplant list for a heart-lung bloc. It was a moment of relief, gratitude, and a little bit of hope all at once. While this is a huge step forward, we know his journey is still far from over as now we wait to see when he could be matched with a donor.
That's why my family and friends are walking in this year's Heart Walk--in honor of my dad. We know how incredibly fortunate we are that he's been given this opportunity, because not everyone who needs a transplant gets this chance. We're walking to show our love and support for him, and to help the American Heart Association continue funding life-saving research. Every step we take is for my dad--and for every family still waiting for their miracle.
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For nearly 20 years, our family has been so grateful. Grateful for the doctors, for the medication, and for the gift of time that allowed my dad to live a normal, full life, with modifications. But this past spring, our world was turned upside down again.
Despite the medications continuing to help, my dad's numbers began to show serious signs of heart failure. His heart wasn't the only concern anymor--his lungs were now being affected too, with dangerously high pulmonary pressures. That's when his doctors decided it was time to begin the evaluation process to be placed on the transplant list for a heart-lung bloc. What followed was a blur of doctor's appointments, a few hospital stays, and endless prayers. We held on to hope that the need for a transplant was still years away.
But life had other plans. On September 23, 2025, my dad was admitted to Jefferson Hospital in downtown Philadelphia. It became clear that medication could only do so much at this poin--his heart and lungs needed more help than they could give. His medical team helped to keep things moving and finished up the evaluation so his case could be reviewed. Then, on October 21, 2025, we received the news that changed everything again: my dad was officially approved and added to the transplant list for a heart-lung bloc. It was a moment of relief, gratitude, and a little bit of hope all at once. While this is a huge step forward, we know his journey is still far from over as now we wait to see when he could be matched with a donor.
That's why my family and friends are walking in this year's Heart Walk--in honor of my dad. We know how incredibly fortunate we are that he's been given this opportunity, because not everyone who needs a transplant gets this chance. We're walking to show our love and support for him, and to help the American Heart Association continue funding life-saving research. Every step we take is for my dad--and for every family still waiting for their miracle.
