When I was in middle school, I was told during a physical that I had a heart murmur. The nurse said it was minor and I likely wouldn't experience any issues until I was in my 40's or 50's.

I began annual checkups with a cardiologist. This murmur eventually led to a leak in my aortic valve which got bigger and bigger over the years, though I was fairly asymptomatic and still very active.

But early 2023, I began to have frequent discomfort in my chest and shortness of breath. After seeing my cardiologist and getting tests done, I was told the leak had become severe and I'd need surgery.

I had open heart surgery on May 17th, 2023 at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. I was lucky enough to find a surgeon there who was able to repair my natural valve without replacing it.

While I feel better than ever now, my experience has challenged me to raise more awareness for heart disease. So many people go years not knowing they have heart issues.

I Walk to Save Lives. Help me reach my goal today.\u200b