I walk because I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve which became stenotic in my late 30s. In my late 40s I needed my valve replaced. I am thankful for the advances in technology that have made heart valve replacement a fairly routine procedure. If I live long enough I'll need another valve as the prosthetic valves only last about 10-15 years. But hopefully the next one can be a TAVR rather than open heart surgery.

I also walk in honor of my dad who a few years ago had to have coronary artery bypass surgery and an aortic valve replacement.

We both have made fantastic recoveries thanks to excellent surgeons.

I Walk to Save Lives. Help me reach my goal today.\u200b