It’s been a fantastic 3 years since my surgery, health-wise at least! I wish everyone could say the same, as it’s been a roller coaster for many and unfortunately we’re seeing even more heart and stroke related issues.
Additionally, this year is the 30th anniversary for the Heart Walk! I’d love to have you join Wags’ Walkers on Sat June 1st…..at Target Field!
I’d also be honored with your assistance in raising funds for the crucial life saving research and awareness that the AHA provides.
We appreciate all of the past and future support!
Curt, Alicia, Holton and Barron
Here's my original story:
In addition to Holton and Barron being an obvious 'WHY', here's the reason why I got involved with the AHA in the first place: In 2009, during a 'normal' physical, I was told that I had a heart murmur. Initially, I laughed at the doctor thinking she wanted to get me to do more tests to drive up her charges. Well, I had been experiencing some symptoms like lightheadedness, shortness of breath and very low energy. As a 32 year old, in pretty good shape, I couldn't even run 1-2 miles without needing to stop for a few minutes. Not normal! I took my doctor's advice and scheduled an echocardiogram for the very next day.
Now for the results, it turned out that I was born with a congenital heart defect. My CHD is called a bicuspid aortic valve, a condition occurring in only 1-2% of the general population. I guess my mom was right when she would tell me I was special!! Thanks mom! Anyways, this condition was causing severe regurgitation of the blood trying to pump out of my heart to the rest of my body. My body wasn't getting the necessary blood and my heart was overcompensating trying to pump out. I was very fortunate to have found the condition when I did, as my heart had enlarged significantly. Little did I know, it was 100% true when people would tell me that I had such a big heart!! So, after consulting with a cardiologist, he confirmed that my test results my symptoms open heart surgery to fix my broken heart. The good news however, I was able to research the potential procedures, interview surgeons and put a game plan together with my family so that we all could be as comfortable as possible going in.
After finding THE surgeon to do the job, September 10, 2009 at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, I had open heart surgery to repair my aortic valve. No, I don't have a cow, pig or mechanical valve. They didn't have to replace mine. While digging around in there, my surgeon found a hole in my heart too, so he gave me a discounted 2 for 1 procedure. Very generous. It was a challenging recovery to say the least, but I couldn't have done it without my wife, family and friends caring for and supporting me.
When put in this kind of a situation, you also get a renewed sense of purpose. Almost immediately, I knew that I needed to give back. I have walked in the local Heart Walks ever since and starting in 2014, I started volunteering with the American Heart Association. This includes being a past Heart Walk spokesperson, an AHA Ambassador and a Heart Walk Ambassador, earning the prestigious Ambassador Impact Award in May 2017. Being an ambassador allowed me to share my story and speak at various organizations to recruit them to participate in the walk, help fundraise and really bring more education about heart health and stroke awareness. In addition, because of all the support I've received from YOU, I was humbled and honored to be inducted into the Heart Walk Hall of Fame in 2018.
I know my story isn't unique, but I'm trying to make sure we can continue educating folks about why it's important to know the signs of a stroke or a heart attack or to recognize the symptoms like mine that lead me to finding and fixing my condition.
We all have stories, thank you very much for taking the time to read about mine. #LifeIsWhy #FamilyIsWhy #HoltonBarronAndAliciaAreWhy
Thank you in advance for your support.