To be part of this opportunity is that finding out if you have family history of heart issues. Mine is genetic from my mom's side of the family. 

I went into get a follow on my own heart because the changes my mom was experiencing. When I went in for my EKG they saw extra heart beats and so they ordered an Echo. Thats when I found out that my Aortic Valve was leaking. So my doctor ordered a TEE and then they could see how much it was leaking. I was told that if I didn't fix fairly soon that I had about 2 years before falling off a cliff. I learned the only to fix was to have surgery. I have a bicuspid value. 

We had a consultation before surgery to find out what the best option was for me. We choose to the mechanical value. One was my age and I didn't want to go through this again down the road. 

So on October 21st 2025 I had open heart surgery at the age of 43. I never imagined that I would be having such a major surgery. Once I was out ICU I found that my value was shredded and glad I didn't wait longer or something else could have happened. My family has been great support during this time and our friends.

 

It's time to unite, take action, and save lives. Every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.

 

I Walk to Save Lives. Help me reach my goal today.â??