I have been a cardiac patient my whole life!
I was diagnosed with a mitral valve prolape and aortic aneurysm when I was 12. I was lucky to have great doctors and was followed closely first at Akron Children's and now at Ohio State Univeristy and the Cleveland Clinic.
It has been a journey and I've had nearly every cardiac test there is:
- I had my first open heart surgery when I was 33.
- I had a successful ablation when I was 34.
- I had a TIA (mini stroke) when I was 39
- I was diagnosed with exercise induced pulmonary hypertension when I was 43.
- Eventually I'll need another heart surgery and likely a valve replacement.
My cardiac care has been greatly improved because of ongoing research and improvements in modern medicine. While I've had a host of complications, my medical teams have been focused on making sure that I can live a full, active life and go on plenty of adventures. I consider a hike up a mountain to be the best cardiac stress test there is!
Every donation helps make sure that patients like me can have access to the top research and the best medical care!