This year my dear friend, Kyle Ross, received frightening news that he would need open heart surgery. Doctors discovered that Kyle was born with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

What Is A Bicuspid Aortic Valve?

In the simplest terms, a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a serious heart valve disorder in which the valve only has two leaflets, or flaps, that control blood flow through the heart. Ultimately, Kyle's heart is required to "work overtime" to push blood through the smaller, diseased valve. If this condition goes untreated, it is likely Kyle will have congestive heart failure.

On top of this discovery, doctors found Kyle has an enlarged Aorta.

Surgeons opened Kyles's chest to place a mechanical valve and replace his enlarged aorta. A surgeon removed the damaged part of his aorta and replaced it with a synthetic fabric tube called a graft.

During Kyles's recovery, he will be bedridden and unable to provide for his family.

The Ross family could use our love and support during this challenging time in their lives.

Please join me in Friends Unite for Kyles Open Heart. Thank you!