I walk because I know that with every step, I am saving lives.
I was born with a Bicuspid Aortic Value, a condition that affects about 1% of people. It went undetected until my mid 40's. Over time I had enlargement of the Aorta and regurgitation of bloodflow. In 2014, I had my first open heart surgery resulting with my Aortic Valve being replaced with a Mechanical Aortic Valve.
In 2017, I had another heart valve go bad. I was diagnosed with a Prolapsed Mitral Valve causing regurgitation and leakage of blood back into the Atrium. I volunterred and was patient #001 for a Neocord Trial Study with my surgeons at UPMC. This was my surgeons first operation of this type. This was my 2nd heart surgery.
In December of 2023, I was diagnosed with a blood infection that had attached itself to my mitral valve which left no choice but to have it removed. On December 22, 2023 I had yet ANOTHER Open Heart Surgery. My mitral valve was removed and replcaced wtih a Mechanical Mitral Valve.
This is why I walk. With two mechancical heart valvies I literraly hear my heart TICK TICK all day. I have been blessed to have 3 extra chances at life. Not everyone is that lucky. I want to raise awareness of heart disease and let others know the importance of checkups.
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.