Why I Walk:

In August 2024, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Endocarditis. I was admitted to the hospital on a Friday and had emergency open-heart surgery the following Wednesday, followed by another open heart surgery on Thursday. I survived two open-heart surgeries and had both my aortic and mitral valves replaced.

In January of 2026, I suffered a mini (silent) stroke but luckily I was asymptomatic. The stroke was likely due to my blood getting too “thick” which caused one of the mechanical heart valves to create a clot. 

A year and a half later, my journey isn't over, but it is one that I am truly thankful for and has given me an even greater appreciation for life and for those around me.