Extraordinary starts with YOU. That's the theme of this years Heart Walk and it couldn't be more true! We all have a role to play in battling this disease.  Heart disease and stroke doesn't play favorites - it comes after us all; and oftentimes when we are least expecting.  The HeartWalk not only raises funds which stay here along the Gulf Coast - BUT it serves as an important community event to raise awareness and show hope.  

I am entering year 20 of "dealing with Heart Stuff" with my husband Larry.  Our official journey started in 2006 with a minor heart attack.  After countless tests in the summer of 2007 we ended up with two open heart surgeries in one week along with a mitral valve replacement and partial maze procedure.  Since then - he has had 6 ablations and 3 cardioversions - throw in a pacemaker and he's still pumping! 

A stroke took my mother in May of 2017 - it was fast and without warning.

In 2021- my father had severe aortic stenosis - thankfully due to research and funding from events like this - my 81 year old father was able to have the less invasive TAVR procedure.  Last May he woke extremely weak with a 95% blockage of the widowmaker - How can an open heart surgery be successful for an 84 year old -well here we are to tell the tale!

This year will hopefully be uneventful - Larry may need a pacemaker replacement towards the end of the year - his battery life is waning but otherwise my fellas are doing great!

Almost all of these procedures have been done here at Thomas Hospital - a remarkable team of cardiac surgeons, nurses and staff committed to caring who perform an average of 550 open heart surgeries each year.   I WALK and PARTICIPATE because its a small step I can do to help my community along the coast - please join us and be part of the difference!   

P.S.  HeartWalk is my birthday this year! Please support me in whatever way you can - create a team, donate to the campaign, or take a stroll!