At the age of 51, I was recently diagnosed with a congenital heart defect: Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease Sievers Type 1 and Severe Aortic Stenosis. This news came as a complete shock, especially since I have always been a lifelong athlete and currently have no symptoms. Despite my active lifestyle, I now face the need for open heart surgery and a highly specialized procedure called the Ross Procedure. This surgery will involve moving my own pulmonary tricuspid valve into the aortic position and replacing the pulmonary position with a human cadaver valve. Lifelong follow-up care will be required, and my surgery will take place at Northwestern Medical in Chicago.

The financial impact of this diagnosis is significant. The funds raised will help cover medical bills, air travel to and from Chicago, hotel stays during my treatment, food, home health care, and even pet care for my cat Leo Buddy. These expenses add up quickly, and your support will allow me to focus on my recovery and ongoing care without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

Our friendships have spanned time and distance, and I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received. Know that your donation will go to someone who will honor your support by making the most of the life you are helping prolong. Any support you can offer means the world to me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing by my side during this challenging time.