I first experienced symptoms from my aortic valve stenosis in 2013. A young girl at the school where I was teaching had cancer and a 5K was planned to support her. Since I never exercised, I began to walk to prepare for the event, but I got very breathless on inclines. After participating in three 5Ks over 15 months, I stopped walking because of increasing symptoms.

Now I have a new aortic valve, and I can walk quickly and up inclines and stairs without experiencing breathlessness and palpitations. Thinking about my first 5K and wanting a tangible way to express my gratitude for the technology used to repair my heart, I decided to participate in the Maine Heart Walk in May, 18 months after my surgery. I am hoping some of you will join me in raising funds for more research and lifesaving techniques for heart patients.  I am so grateful to be a heart valve disease survivor.

Acts 17:25
…He Himself gives everyone life and breath…