My favorite heart patient is my husband, Bryson!
Not long after we got married, we learned that Bryson has a rare genetic heart mutation that was causing some pretty serious heart issues. A cardiac monitor was implanted to help figure out what was happening.
Just days later, while we were at Hatcher Pass, Bryson’s heart stopped for approximately 16 seconds.
The monitor caught it.
Within days, we received an urgent call from cardiology. Bryson ultimately had a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted, and what followed was one of the scariest seasons of our lives. There were hospital stays, terrifying episodes at home, and times when we genuinely questioned whether Bryson had a future.
Thankfully, life looks very different today. Bryson is now 40 and has doctors who care about him, advocate for him, and prioritize his quality of life. He works incredibly hard to take care of himself, but the reality is that he is still living with congestive heart failure.
That’s why I walk.I walk because research and good cardiac care matter. I walk because I know what it feels like to wonder if you’re going to get more time with the person you love.
Mostly, I walk because I’m really, really grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to walk beside my favorite heart patient. â¤ï¸
If you’re in a place to give, I’d be incredibly grateful for your support. Every donation helps give more families more time with the people they love.