I invite all my friends, family, and colleagues to join me in in the effort to improve heart health and save a life. When I first aligned myself with the AHA and the Huntsville Heart Walk, it was about others; those stricken with heart disease and stroke.
This year's focus, however, has turned to my own battle with heart disease. The fight became progressively more personal this past summer as I began to notice "tightening" in my chest and "shortness of breath". After a few appointments with my primary care physician, cardiologist, the heart cath team at HH, I was referred to Dr. Richard Clay at the HH for bypass surgery. Blockages were found in my left anterior descending, right coronary artery and a couple of arteries on my secondary diagonal artery. Consultations with Dr. R.C. and my friend, Dr. John Doty (long-time friend and CV surgeon in Salt Lake City) helped to design the best path fwd for me. My surgery was on 28 December 2022. I returned to the hospital approximately 2wks later after suffering a heparin (blood thinning drug) induced stroke. This is the first time I have mentioned this as the impacts of the stroke minimal and solely tied to an allergic reaction to the drug (so not anticipating a recurrence). I have truly been blessed with a prolonged life with Julia and our grandchildren, the ability to work on interesting defense programs, and to tell my story to encourage YOU to GIVE.
Your donation this year means a great deal to me and to other people you know in our community and throughout the nation. We've all been impacted in some way of another and I ask that you join me as we work together to improve heart health and lessen the impacts of heart disease and stroke. I'd also like you to consider joining in this year's walk with your own team or simply join mine with a donation! Call me at 256-503-0498 to discuss options.
I originally became involved in this great event and walked in memory of my two grandfathers. Each died of heart disease at an early age. One passed at the age of 54 (I never got to know him) and one at age 72. My association with AHA helped me 1) know the warning signs and 2) take action to improve heart health and to save a life (this year it is my heart) before long-term damage is done and 3) Feel a closer association with my direct ancestors.
AHA has helped developed advance healthcare protocols, techniques and procedures that were used for my surgery. Our community has also benefitted from the increased number of AED's, new CPR procedures, Education and Stroke identification protocol.
As I enter my prime "Grandpa John" years, I am able to enjoy extended time with grandchildren and I can because of the advancements made regarding heart healthy choices and care.
Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people have longer, healthier lives. I will give a special prize for each donation over $250.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today!
I continue to walk for my FAMILY!!!!
