Support Tabatha's Journey to Heart Health

Many know Tabatha as a wonderful wife, mother, and friend. At birth she was born with a congenital heart defect, Epstein's anomaly. It causes the tricuspid valve to not function correctly. Over time, the valve will deteriorate and no longer function. Surgery is usually needed as a teen but she has been able to go through adult life until a few months ago when the overall exhaustion on her body could no longer be overlooked.

After numerous visits and lots of tests, it was discovered she is suffering from congestive heart failure. The severe regurgitation has caused low heart function. That part of her heart (right ventricle) is only functioning at 33%.

She has been mentally, physically, and emotionally drained by this disease. It is practically all she can think about and continues to get physically worse symptoms due to the heart failure. Her tricuspid valve should be allowing blood to continue to flow in one direction, but her valve no longer closes. This is causing blood to build up, make her feel like she is drowning, and cannot catch her breath.

Her doctor is sending her to MUSC Charleston to meet with specialists to undergo procedures to assess the damage on October 2nd and to prepare for a heart cath on October 4th.

After the procedure, we will find out when the valve can be repaired/replaced with an open heart procedure.

We are asking for help because there is even more stress ahead. Tabatha, and her husband, will need to take off work, which will reduce their income all while still having to figure out hotel accommodations, food, gas, keeping up with bills, and their home responsibilities. There are also many more tests and doctors visits ahead as she gets assessed and prepped for open heart surgery.