After celebrating Easter Sunday as a family in 2024, my father-in-law Ed Goodreau drove back home but started feeling unwell. Initially dismissing the symptoms as an upset stomach, the following morning he went to the ER and ultimately was diagnosed with a significant heart attack.

 

This started our family's journey with heart disease. After multiple days of nonresponsiveness/unconsciousness, a helicopter ride to a cardiac specialty facility, multiple extended hospitalizations, rehab stints and surgeries, Ed is now adjusted to life with a heart pump called an LVAD (gives new meaning to the Grey's anatomy story line - who cut the LVAD line?!?) and we are hopeful that in time he can get a more permanent solution aka heart transplant.

 

As we reflect as a family on the past 18 months of additional care, worries and anxiety, learning about the medical terminology, technology and system, while also supporting our family members, changing lifestyles, and being thankful for who and what we have in our lives, we also want to celebrate that journey and participate in the AHA Heart Walk. Ed will even be there to participate as a survivor! I invite you to join my team as a walker, participate by donating, or creating your own page to raise additional funds.