I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, patient and caregiver advocate, American Heart Association National Heart Valve Ambassador, and heart valve disease survivor. A couple of years ago , I received a new heart valve plus a pace maker. I was born with an abnormal heart valve and developed symptoms at age 42. I notified my doctor, a test was ordered then I received a mechanical valve. Four days later I developed heart blockage . The doctor informed my family that I would need a pace maker to help my heart function. A year later, my third surgery took place : pace maker revision. My fourth surgery ( first set of batteries placed in my pacemaker) took place on December 21st, 2015 and I received my second set of batteries ( 5th surgery) in my pacemaker on December 2nd, 2024.
I’ve travelled locally & out of state advocating for the uninsured, raing awareness & sharing my story of survival from heart valve replacement and four pacemaker surgeries.
