Our family has been 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 continued to be monitored by his cardiologist several times a year for other conditions related to this 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. The surgery was successful and today, at the age of 30 he can lead a fully active life.
Joey continues to be monitored by 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. So my family and I are walking in this year’s Heart Walk to help.
I walk because I know that with every step, I am saving lives. So, I'm making a difference by being a Team Captain for the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. Won’t you join us?
