UPDATE - so much for 2026 being uneventful. LB has a new heart symptom that brought us to the ER. It's all manageable but highlights the importance of continued research and funding!
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" for 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 (then) 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? THANKFULLY - 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!