I was born with aortic stenosis, a heart condition where the aortic valve narrows, making it difficult for blood to flow from the heart to the body. At just two days old, I underwent a valvotomy to improve blood flow. Annual checkups, including echocardiograms and EKGs, followed until I was 12, when I had an aortic valve replacement and received a mechanical heart valve—yes, it actually ticked. At 25, I learned that my mechanical valve needed replacement - and you guessed it, it ticks also! I subsequently required a pacemaker as well.

Despite these challenges, I have never let them bring me down. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of my last open-heart surgery, I have decided to run the American Heart Association's 5K. Let's keep on ticking and cross that finish line!