I walk because I know that with every step, I am saving lives.

On January 15, 2024, I underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery to repair an aortic dissection, along with valve replacement surgery. I was only 46 years old. When I was seen in the ER in late 2023 for kidney stones, I literally had no idea that visit most likely saved my life from a catastrophic heart condition. My heart problems were discovered due to an accidental finding. A new technician inadvertently scanned high enough on my abdomen to show there was something dangerously wrong with my aorta. Truly, it was nothing short of divine intervention, a miracle.

Dr. William Morris Brown III and his amazing staff at Piedmont Hospital led us through our journey one appointment at a time. They were kind, caring and the best healthcare providers I could have asked for. My family and I are eternally grateful for the phenomenal care I received before, during and after my open heart surgery.

If there is one very important thing I want people to know is never, ever dismiss a red flag or a symptom as insignificant. Looking back, there had been warning signs something was not right. I chalked up being tired, shortness of breath, dizziness and chest discomfort to everyday life, the common cold, not sleeping well, etc. Truth be told, I should have seen a cardiologist well before my kidney stones. My recovery has not been linear. The path has been unsteady at times, but recovery often comes with setbacks, accomplishments and simply day to day improvements. This why it's so important to keep up with physicals, preventive maintenance and to always advocate for yourself and loved ones.

Our family's mission is to raise funds for more research and advancement in cardiac/cardiovascular medicine.

Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people have longer, healthier lives.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me and my family in this journey. We are forever grateful and truly couldn't do it without the support and love of our family and friends.