Three years ago, during a routine physical, my doctor detected a heart murmur. What started as a precautionary follow-up led to additional testing with a cardiologist.  And ultimately a diagnosis I wasn’t expecting.

I learned that I have a bicuspid heart valve, a congenital condition where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of three. Further testing also revealed an aortic aneurysm, likely related to the valve condition.

Since then, heart health has become personal. I now see my cardiologist every six months to monitor both the valve and the aneurysm. There’s no clear timeline or way to predict if, or when,I may need a valve replacement. For now, the focus is on monitoring and living as healthy as possible.

While I’ve had to make some adjustments, such as limiting heavy lifting, I remain active and committed to a heart-healthy lifestyle. I eat well, exercise six days a week, and focus on doing the things that keep my heart strong.

Participating in the Heart Walk is my way of giving back.  Supporting research, education, and awareness so more people can detect heart issues early and live longer, healthier lives. I walk with gratitude, optimism, and a appreciation for the importance of heart health.

Help me reach my goal today by joining our team or donating towards our goal. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.