2006 - A Year I Will Never Forget
Over spring break of my freshman year of college, I went home to enjoy what I thought to be a relaxing week off from school. I had a scheduled doctor's appointment with my primary care physician. Little did I know that when I left that appointment, my life would never be the same. My doctor noticed that my heart rate was abnormally slow - around 38-42 beats per minute. I was an athlete, and was always told that my slower heart rate was nothing to worry about. After a whirlwind of doctor's appointments following that, I was diagnosed with third degree heart block and told I needed a pacemaker to live. Wow. An 18 year old with a pacemaker? Those were my exact thoughts. That summer, July 10, 2006 to be exact, I had my pacemaker implanted. Today, over 6 years later, I am living a better life than I could have ever imagined. I am stronger and healthier. I am a survivor. Please join me in supporting the American Heart Association continue to do research, promote healthy lifestyles, and make medical advancements to keep me alive.
