Jennifer Novak lives and works in Washington, DC as a social worker. Jennifer's motto is "love wins," believing in the restorative power of love. Jennifer is known for her easy going disposition and big heart. In May of 2016, Jennifer was air lifted by helicopter to Washington Hospital Center after symptoms including severe chest pain indicated a possible heart attack. Medical tests including a cardiac catheterization revealed instead Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM,) an inherited heart disease that causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick. This causes functional impairment of the workings of the heart. Jennifer's heart is literally "too big!" Since being diagnosed in May of 2016, Jennifer's heart condition has grown worse progressively. Once an active participant in Pilates, Yoga and Zumba, Jennifer is now unable to walk more than a few feet without experiencing severe chest pain and shortness of breath. Medication has not helped so now an open heart surgery called a septal myectomy needs to be performed to improve heart functioning. Since this is a highly specialized surgery, it needs to be done at a center experienced in treating HOCM. The surgery will take place at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, a 'Center of Excellence' for treating this heart condition. Jennifer will be in the hospital 5-7 days followed by 8 weeks recovery off work. Since she has recently recovered from cancer, she has limited annual leave available to take to cover the period off work. Also, there is a waiting period for disability benefits to begin if approved. Contributions of any amount will be accepted gratefully for living expenses, flights to the Mayo clinic, accommodations and other needs. Thank you so much for any assistance you are able to provide to help save Jennifer's big heart!