I was born November 25 1972. In 1974 I was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease. I was born with a Ventricular Septal Defect (hole in the heart) Pulmonary Stenosis, and a Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection. At the age of three I had open heart surgery to repair my VSD and repair the obstruction of my pulmonary valve.
I lived a pretty active life after that I played sports took up guitar. I even went to college and studied to be a cardiovascular technician.
…and then it happened I went into Atrial Flutter, During several doctor visits I found out my pulmonary valve was severely leaking and I was in the beginning stages of right side heart failure. I spent an entire year lying on the couch before I found a doctor that would agree to fix my issues. On September 10th of 2013 I had my pulmonary valve replaced, a maze procedure, and a warden procedure at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota.
I did a lot of thinking while on that couch. At times I didn't know if I was going to make it to my daughters 3rd birthday. I barely made it to her 2nd birthday party. I felt a great sense of my life being incomplete. What was the legacy I was leaving my daughter? Have I had a positive impact on someone’s life? I wanted more time, if only I could have a second chance.
So now I have been given a great gift, a gift of a second chance. I often refer to my surgery anniversary as my “rebirth” a fresh start and so I have decided to start a new project I want to give those who have been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and have an interest in working in the medical field the opportunity to reach their dreams because those with empathy make the best doctors, nurses and technicians. I am setting up a scholarship fund and I am hoping to have your support. Let’s send some great kids with great insight to college.