The American Heart Association holds an incredibly meaningful place in our family’s life. Heart disease has touched us in deeply personal ways, and this walk is about honoring and supporting the people we love. Arthur (our son), Jeff (Cari’s dad), Ada (our cousin), Nathan (our cousin), and the countless others affected by heart disease.
Our son Arthur is now 3 years old and thriving. When he was just two months old, he underwent open heart surgery after being born with a congenital heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. He had a hole between his ventricles that was repaired using a patch made from tissue surrounding his heart. Seeing Arthur grow, play, and live life to the fullest is nothing short of incredible. This is our third year participating in the Minnesota Heart Walk, and we’re honored to support an organization that has made stories like his possible.
Heart disease has impacted multiple generations of our family. On Christmas morning in 2020, Cari’s dad Jeff woke up not feeling well and initially thought the discomfort was due to shoveling snow the day before. By that afternoon, he was on his way to the emergency room, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a heart attack. He was fortunate to have a third artery—the ramus artery that was 100% blocked, while his other arteries showed minimal blockage. Doctors placed a stent in the ramus artery, and today he is doing well, maintaining yearly checkups and enjoying retirement.
Our cousin Ada has shown extraordinary strength from a very young age. At five months old, she was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes developmental delays, learning disabilities, and various medical challenges - most significantly affecting her heart. By just 14 months old, Ada had already undergone two open heart surgeries on her aorta. Her medical journey began in Minnesota and ultimately led her to California for her second surgery with a leading medical team. Ada has an incredible spirit she’s loving, highly empathetic, and brightens every room she enters. Today, her heart is stable, and she continues to be monitored with cardiology appointments.
We also walk in memory of Nathan. At age 36, Nathan suffered an aortic dissection that led to multiple heart procedures and ultimately required him to receive an LVAD to support his heart function. While not a permanent solution, the LVAD gave him precious time - two meaningful years filled with family, friends, and life. After battling an infection and undergoing another procedure, Nathan passed away in 2024 at the age of 38. He is deeply missed as a son, brother, uncle, and friend, and his strength continues to inspire us.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We are incredibly grateful for your support in the fight against heart disease. Every donation - no matter the size - helps fund life saving research, improve care, and give families hope. Together, we can make a lasting impact and create a healthier future for all hearts.