I walk because I know that UCLA Health saved my life!! Prior to my diagnosis my wife, Dana and I took a vacation to Sedona. It's a beautiful part of the nation with an energy that is palpable. We hiked every day for 8-10 miles depending on the trail we selected. It was a fabulous experience. A week or so after returning home I had a planned visit with my PCP, Dr. Neil Wenger for an annual physical. He thought my murmur, which I have had my entire life, sounded a bit different from my previous visit. He instructed me to set up an appointment with a Cardiologist, Dr. Kamran Shamsa the following week. Dr. Shamsa immediately ordered several tests and suggested I needed Mitral Value repair/replacement immediately. Dr. Richard Shemin initially performed a robotic Mitral Valve repair; however within several months it was obvious that my heart muscle surrounding the valve wasn't healthy enough to hold the valve in place. In early 2018, I underwent an open heart Mitral Valve replacement. The doctors at UCLA health were amazed that I was able to survive as long as I did with part of my Mitral Valve "flapping in my heart unattached to the muscle." I am forever indebted to all my doctors, nurses and other care givers at UCLA Health for the great care I received, and the fact that I am alive!!!
We're all tied to heart disease and stroke in some way. We have to change that. Will you help me?
Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people have longer, healthier lives.
This year, as we celebrate the Centennial of the American Heart Association, we will move health and well-being forward in important and critical ways. This relentless pursuit will continue until heart disease and stroke no longer exist.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today.
