In 2018, I was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition consisting of a bicuspid aortic valve and enlarged mid-ascending aorta. With this diagnosis, I was told that I would need to follow some restrictions for the rest of my life. Most of these restrictions were not a big deal as I wasn't planning on getting into body building, heavy lifting, or cross-fit, and I am not a heavy red meat eater. The one restriction, however, that was the most heart-breaking (pun intended) of them all was that I was told that I should not carry my own children. In a 3rd trimester of pregnancy the increased blood flow, and overall pressure put on the heart, would put me and my unborn baby in a life threatening position. With this pressure on my heart, with my condition, would risk a tear or rupture of my heart. This news was some of the hardest I have ever received and even harder to hear just before trying to start a family.

Without going into too much detail, we were very lucky to start our family via the route of surrogacy and welcomed a baby girl in 2020 and boy in 2022. I am beyond lucky that my doctors caught this congenital heart condition when they did. These doctors have been working with me ever since to ensure my heart is stable and that I am remaining healthy. I walk for my children, my grandma, my dad, and so many other family members and friends who are experiencing their own heart conditions. This is a topic and cause that is very dear to me and I would be so appreciative of any donations to a great and meaningful cause that truly saves lives.