I had open heart surgery in August 2024 at the age of 46. My surgeon was Dr. Solomon at NCH in Naples, FL. I had a congenital heart defect of my mitral valve, which had been mild my entire life until the last year or so, when it progressed to severe. Thus, cardiac intervention was necessary to save my life to prevent a further rapid decline and life-threatening condition. However, I was completely asymptomatic. I only found out about the seriousness of my heart condition because I chose to be proactive with my own health and well-being. I knew as I was getting older that heart health is important, and so I requested my doctor order a full heart workup just to check things out. The echocardiogram revealed the severity of the problem in my heart. It was working too hard and not correctly. I jumped right into action, immediately seeking out cardiologists and surgical teams to consult.
My husband Mark & I researched everything, and chose to proceed with Naples Comprehensive Health. This heart institute is among the very best. I had a very successful repair surgery, and an excellent recovery. I did cardiac rehab 3 times a week for 3 months. Every single staff member that cared for me before, during, and after surgery was exceptional - professional, polite, compassionate, & skilled. It has been a long process to get back to a normal life and doing all the things I love, and more. I'm doing amazing now! I'm even stronger than I was before surgery.
Mark & I are both full time local Realtors of many years in this community. Once I was able to get back to working independently again in real estate, I also applied and was hired for a part time position at the NCH Wellness Center at the downtown Naples location. I was compelled to be a part of NCH and I feel great pride in it. I'm even more motivated and inspired to live a long healthy life, and to enjoy a good quality of life.
It's time to unite, take action, and save lives. 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital die. In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed. But we can change this. Cardiac arrests happen at work, in homes, on athletic fields and in neighborhoods everywhere, and the readiness of our community can be the difference between life and death.
Every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.
I Walk to Save Lives. Please help me reach my goal today by donating to our team!
