My Heart Story

I was born with two congenital heart defects: Tetralogy of Fallot and an AV canal defect. At nearly 2 years old, I underwent my first open-heart surgery to repair them. Recovery wasn't easy—I developed recurring fluid around my heart and spent a total of 21 days in the hospital before I was finally able to go home.

Growing up, my heart was always something I had to think about, but it never stopped me from living my life. In 2013, when I was 15, I underwent a cardiac catheterization to stretch my pulmonary valve with a balloon. That same day, my family received another life-changing diagnosis when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a difficult season, but one that showed us the importance of resilience and leaning on one another.

In February 2019, while attending UNCW, I experienced my first episode of atrial flutter. It happened on the anniversary of my catheterization procedure and was one of the scariest moments of my life. I ended up in the emergency room with a dangerously fast heart rate, atrial fibrillation, and high blood pressure. Medications helped lower my heart rate and blood pressure, but they couldn't restore my heart rhythm. Doctors performed a cardioversion, and after two shocks, my heart returned to a normal rhythm.

At that point, I already knew I would be undergoing another open-heart surgery in May 2019 to replace my pulmonary valve. Recovery was long and challenging. While I was still in the hospital, I went back into atrial fibrillation and required another cardioversion. This time, it took three shocks—the first had no effect, the second briefly sent me into ventricular tachycardia, and the third successfully restored my heart rhythm.

After leaving the hospital, I spent the summer focused on healing through cardiac rehabilitation while taking online classes before returning to college. In October 2019, I underwent a cardiac ablation to help prevent future episodes of atrial fibrillation. Thankfully, I've been doing well ever since.

Living with congenital heart disease is a lifelong journey. I know that one day I'll need another surgery to replace my mitral valve, but I also know how fortunate I am to have benefited from advances in cardiac care that have allowed me to live a full and active life.

That's why I participate in the Heart Walk. Every step represents gratitude for the doctors, nurses, researchers, family, and friends who have supported me throughout my journey. It also represents hope—for continued research, better treatments, and brighter futures for every child and adult living with congenital heart disease.

Thank you for supporting me and helping make that future possible. Every donation truly makes a difference.