My Heart Health Story  

On July 17, I underwent heart surgery to repair a 2.5 cm hole in my heart as well as my mitral valve.

I was born with a congenital heart defect called an atrial septal defect. These are usually detected at birth or in early childhood, but mine went unnoticed. I only received this life-changing diagnosis in October 2024 after a chest X-ray and CT scan for something completely unrelated (which, thankfully, turned out to be nothing!). Without surgery, I likely would have faced a serious cardiac event before the age of 40.

Due to advances in medical technology, I was able to avoid a sternotomy (cutting open my chest) and instead undergo "minimally invasive" robotic surgery (in no way did it feel minimally invasive). My heart was stopped for longer than expected due to some complications, and I needed two blood transfusions, but I survived! I spent one gruelling week in the hospital, with 3 days in the ICU.

It was the scariest experience of my life, but I got through it with the support of my amazing family, friends, and medical team at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.

In September, I'll be raising money in support of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation by participating in JUMP In for Women's Heart Health. Proceeds will support education, training, research, advocacy, and outreach focused on women?s heart health. Next month, I'll also begin attending a patient support group at the Ottawa Heart Institute that was made possible thanks to proceeds raised over the years. 

The timing couldn?t be more perfect because September is also when I?ve been cleared to start exercising again. I?m excited to see what my body can achieve with 30 minutes of movement for 30 days!

Please donate today and help me reach my fundraising goal!