Our family was long-standing recipients of the AHA’s guidance, resources, and support. In 1992, our son, Joey was diagnosed at 3 days old with a congenital heart disease. Due to complications resulting from his condition, Joey underwent his first heart surgery to repair a severe coarctation of the descending aorta at the age of 13 months.

Over the next 18 years, Joey’s care was managed by his cardiologist several times a year for other conditions related to his heart disease. Joey had a bicuspid aortic valve with a leak and had developed an ascending aortic aneurysm that reached a point considered ‘at risk’ requiring immediate surgery. Joey underwent this complex surgery to repair these conditions on June 15, 2010 at Boston's Children's Hospital. The surgery was successful!

Joey continues to be under the care of his cardiologist and will require additional surgery in the future to replace his repaired valve. My son’s wellbeing is a direct result of research and advances in cardiac medicine made possible in part by the American Heart Association. Today, at the age of 33, Joey can lead an active life and has recently recieved his Master's at Teachers College,  Columbia University in NYC and teaching at his alumni high school.

Again, this year, I am making a difference by being a Team Captain for the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. My family and I are walking because we know that with every step, we are saving lives. Please consider supporting us with a donation or walking with our team.

THANK YOU from the heart!