Hello everyone,
Two years ago, my life changed forever. Born with **mitral valve prolapse**, I found myself at just 31 years old battling daily AFib and eventually, critical heart failure. On April 11th, 2023, I was told my mitral valve was failing and I needed immediate surgery.
June 26th began as a four-hour surgery but quickly became a fight for my life. During the procedure, my surgeon accidentally punctured my aorta. I know I died; I saw my body below me, then darkness, and heard a voice tell me, "It was not my time. Breathe." What followed was a seven-hour battle, a life-saving stent placed through both hips to stop the bleeding, and a terrifying decision for my husband and dad. They bravely chose to proceed with the valve replacement just 24 hours later. Thankfully, the second surgery was successful, and I received a mechanical mitral valve.
The weeks that followed were intense: a week in the ICU on a ventilator, surrounded by wires and tubes, yet supported by the most incredible nurses. Then another week on the recovery floor, guided by an amazing head nurse. My church community rallied around us, providing meals and caring for my children while my family cared for me.
I am here today because of a miracle, the unwavering support of my loved ones, and the advancements in cardiac care made possible by organizations like the **American Heart Association**. I am incredibly passionate about their work because I know, without a doubt, that their research and efforts for people with congenital heart defects, heart disease, and stroke are why I'm still alive.
Please consider donating to the American Heart Association through my fundraising page: [https://myhrt.org/6gyzx](https://myhrt.org/6gyzx). Every contribution helps save lives, just like mine.
Thank you for your support.
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Two years ago, my life changed forever. Born with **mitral valve prolapse**, I found myself at just 31 years old battling daily AFib and eventually, critical heart failure. On April 11th, 2023, I was told my mitral valve was failing and I needed immediate surgery.
June 26th began as a four-hour surgery but quickly became a fight for my life. During the procedure, my surgeon accidentally punctured my aorta. I know I died; I saw my body below me, then darkness, and heard a voice tell me, "It was not my time. Breathe." What followed was a seven-hour battle, a life-saving stent placed through both hips to stop the bleeding, and a terrifying decision for my husband and dad. They bravely chose to proceed with the valve replacement just 24 hours later. Thankfully, the second surgery was successful, and I received a mechanical mitral valve.
The weeks that followed were intense: a week in the ICU on a ventilator, surrounded by wires and tubes, yet supported by the most incredible nurses. Then another week on the recovery floor, guided by an amazing head nurse. My church community rallied around us, providing meals and caring for my children while my family cared for me.
I am here today because of a miracle, the unwavering support of my loved ones, and the advancements in cardiac care made possible by organizations like the **American Heart Association**. I am incredibly passionate about their work because I know, without a doubt, that their research and efforts for people with congenital heart defects, heart disease, and stroke are why I'm still alive.
Please consider donating to the American Heart Association through my fundraising page: [https://myhrt.org/6gyzx](https://myhrt.org/6gyzx). Every contribution helps save lives, just like mine.
Thank you for your support.