10/15/23 I thought I had heart burn. What I thought was a routine ER visit turned into a whirlwind of heart related 4 syllable words. I woke up on 10/20 to hear that I had undergone OPEN HEART SURGERY! 

5/4/2024 I get a call from my brother saying our brother was laying in the same situation I was in just 6 months prior. His situation possibly even more complex than mine. 

Dr. Henn of OSU's Ross Heart Hospital, the Rock Star surgeon who saved my life, was at the helm for my brother also! We were so fortunate to have him care for our complex situations. He told us we were a cough away from death and 1 in 4 people make it to the hospital in time to save their lives!

Though we both had mild blood pressure issues, neither of us ever thought we would be on an operating table with an Aortic Dissection. Our other brother was urged to immediately get CT scans and other diagnostics to ensure he wouldn't end up in the same situation. What are the odds that 2 of 3 siblings would find themselves fighting for their lives so suddenly. 

That is our why. We will walk this year and every year after to bring awareness, support, and to show our gratitude. If you haven't yet had a physical and heart evaluation, I suggest talking with your doctor to have it done. We were so blessed to have had Dr. Henn at the helm, but if we can prevent anyone else from this same journey with our story, it is worth it!