January 16th was a typical Tuesday morning, but as I lay in bed, a strange sensation crept in – not pain, but an unsettling discomfort, like a satin sheet gently brushing against my skin.

Could this be my heart? Memories of my Dad’s fatal heart attack at age 49 flooded back. I tried to dismiss it, but the feeling persisted. Finally, I knew I couldn’t ignore it. “Call 911,” I told my husband, Major.

A Race Against Time

The ambulance arrived swiftly. The ride to the hospital was a blur, snow on the ground – a rare sight these days – a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding within me. Yet, amidst the fear, a strange calm settled over me.

At the ER, everything moved at a frantic pace. Tests, scans, the whole nine yards. The uncertainty gnawed at me. Was I overreacting? Then came the results – abnormal. A CT scan revealed the terrifying truth: an aortic dissection.

The Diagnosis

A tear in my aorta, the main artery from my heart. Type A dissection. The most dangerous kind. Immediate surgery was my only hope. My cousin, a neurosurgeon, became my advocate, guiding me through the chaos and ensuring I was airlifted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. I remember texting him, “I’m in trouble,” and then the world went dark.

The Surgery

Eight grueling hours later, I woke up in the Cardiac Critical Care Unit. The fog lifted, and the weight of the past week crashed down on me. Tears flowed, but so did an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The medical team, with their expertise and compassion, were my instruments of healing.

As I mended, the doctors explained the cause: an aneurysm, a silent threat lurking beneath years of controlled high blood pressure. It was impossible to predict, a stark reminder of life’s fragility.

The Recovery

The weeks following surgery were a blur of pain and vulnerability. But through it all, I clung to my faith and the unwavering support of my loved ones. Today, I’m stronger than ever, fueled by gratitude and a determination to make a difference. This second chance has given me a new purpose: to fight for heart health and inspire others to listen to their bodies.

Driven to Make a Difference

Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer in the US. But we can change that. As an AHA Leader of Impact nominee, I’m raising funds to support life saving research, community education programs, and advocacy efforts. Your donation will help ensure that everyone has the chance to live a longer, healthier life. Join me in this fight—every second counts.

I’m proud to be an AHA Leaders of Impact Nominee. I believe in this cause and our ability to make a difference. I’m asking for your support. Please consider making a gift or joining my team to raise critical funds for the American Heart Association. Together, we can rewrite the narrative, one healthy heart at a time. My journey has taught me that every beat is a gift, and every day is a chance to make a difference. May we all find the strength and resilience to live our lives to the fullest.

With gratitude and blessings,

Valarie Barrett Everett

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Donations end December 4, 2024