Last October, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. As a new mom, the news was disorienting. I had imagined all the joys and challenges of motherhood, but suddenly, I was faced with an urgent, life-changing decision. My doctors told me that I needed to have my valve replaced through open heart surgery, and the pressure of deciding how to proceed while thinking about my future fertility and family plans was overwhelming—especially at just 26 years old.

After much research, reflection, and countless conversations with my loved ones, I chose to undergo the Ross Procedure—a complex surgery that involves replacing the aortic valve with my own pulmonary valve. It wasn’t easy, but after 8 hours, I became my surgeon's fourth success story.

This experience has left me with a profound appreciation for the importance of heart health and a desire to give back. I’m now fundraising for the American Heart Association to help raise awareness and provide support to others who, like me, have faced the life-altering challenges of a cardiac event. It’s my way of turning a difficult chapter of my life into a story of hope and resilience for others.