Member, Board Of Directors
CurrentI volunteer as the Director of Partnership Development for Aortic Hope, an association that supports those living with aortic disease, survivors of aortic dissection, and caregivers. The organization's goals are to Spread Hope, Create Awareness, and Provide Support to patients, survivors, and caregivers during the recovery and management of aortic disease. Please look them up. A tiny percentage of people who have this happen to them survive, and it can happen to anyone. On August 16, 2020, I survived an Ascending Aortic Dissection and emergency open-heart surgery. I spent nine days in the ICU and several months recovering. After my first day back to work, I went home and promptly suffered a Descending Aortic Dissection. The remainder of my aorta split into the iliac arteries (the branch to my legs). That led to more very complex and dangerous surgeries - and more recovery time. I'm alive, which is a true testament to my outstanding surgeons, the hospital staff, my family's prayers, and my bullheaded personality! I will always have health challenges, but I'll always accept and adjust. Wires and Dacron tubing replace much of my Aorta, and an artery is bypassed to an alternative blood supply. I'm still here!
