My Heart Journey — Living With HCM, Heart Failure & AFib
My heart journey has been one I never expected to take.
I live with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), heart failure, and atrial fibrillation/arrhythmias. In 2014, I underwent a septal myectomy and mitral valve repair. Years later, in 2021, I received an ICD to help protect my heart.
Living with a heart condition is not always visible. There are days when I look perfectly fine, but inside I may be dealing with fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, palpitations, and the uncertainty that comes with knowing my heart needs extra care.
There have been moments of fear and many questions about what the future may bring. But through every appointment, test, hospitalization, medication change, and difficult day, I have continued moving forward.
My journey has taught me that strength doesn’t always mean feeling strong. Sometimes strength means resting when your body asks you to, going to the doctor when something doesn’t feel right, taking your medications, asking questions, and continuing to believe that tomorrow is worth fighting for.
Today, I share my story because heart disease can affect anyone, even when you can’t see it.
I want others living with heart disease to know that they are not alone.
I am still here.
I am still fighting.
I am still hoping.
And I am still grateful for every heartbeat.
I walk for awareness, for research, for those living with heart disease, for the families who support them, and for everyone whose heart journey is just beginning.
This is my heart. This is my journey. And I will keep moving forward, one heartbeat at a time.
#HeartWalk #AmericanHeartAssociation #MyHeartJourney #HCOM
In a heartbeat, you could be the difference.
9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive. Most of the time, it’s because no one nearby performed CPR. But together, we can change that.
Extraordinary things happen when people take action. A small step. A simple skill. A lifesaving moment. Heart Walk brings communities together to create health and hope for every heartbeat. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more people trained in CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.
Extraordinary starts with YOU. Help me reach my goal today!