Mark’s Incredible Ride For The Make-A-Wish Foundation
By Adam Pick on August 26, 2009
There really is nothing better than waking up in the morning, turning on the computer, clicking my email inbox and receiving a patient success story from one of my readers.
The story below comes from Mark Hurst in Michigan. As you can read, Mark did not let heart valve surgery inhibit his altruistic bike ride for a Make-A-Wish Foundation charity event. If you’re looking for some inspiration, please continue reading:
Hi, Adam –
I am 41 years old, and (quite suddenly) had aortic valve and aortic root replacement on March 30, 2009.
When I was initially diagnosed with severe congenital aortic dilation and scheduled for near immediate surgery (3 days later), one of the first resources I found was your website. The information on the site really helped me get oriented to and educated about what was happening to me. It also gave me hope that full recovery is very possible.
Mark Hurst – Heart Valve Replacement Patient
Prior to my surgical episode, I was already registered to ride the Michigan Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Wish-A-Mile 300 Bicycle Tour in July. We bike ride for 3 days, 100 miles per day. I immediately wrote-off the event after surgery during the early part of my recovery. But, a few weeks later, on a night that I couldn’t sleep, I had a “well, not so fast” moment.
Long story short, through your experience, you helped me change my mindset and give the ride a try – if I could get back on a real bike by June, among other medical milestones.
Last weekend was the event, and, 116 days post-op, I am happy to say I was able to complete my first 100-mile century ride on a bicycle. And then another.
Thank you again for all the great information! I hope you are continuing to enjoy great health!
Mark Hurst
(Michigan)
P.S. I read your heart valve surgery book post-surgery. Besides gaining additional insights myself, the main beneficiary may be my younger brother. He is 10 years younger than I am, and came up from Tennessee during my episode. When he went home, he scheduled an echo due to to the genetic aspects of valvular disease, and his aorta is dilated to 4.7cm. He is now on Beta blockers and on a 3-month monitoring schedule. He will be more prepared to deal with this than I was (and hopefully, minimally invasive technology will be ready when he needs the surgery).
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Chaz says on August 26th, 2009 at 1:13 pm |
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Starting my first rehab session this afternoon. Your story inspires me as I begin to return to Marathon/Century shape. |
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John Manning says on August 26th, 2009 at 1:21 pm |
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Mark, Great job! I live in Michigan and will need a new valve also. Your ride is an inspiration and reminder of great things to come. John |
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DanGrise says on August 26th, 2009 at 4:42 pm |
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Aortic Valve replacement coming up on Sept. 8th. Bi-Cuspid valve, thought I had 10 -20 good years, but change is a happening. So, I just find this out last week, and off we go. I really appreciate all the insight I’ve received through the book, the blogs and all the willingness the cardio-care profession has opened up with. I met with my Surgeon last week and I’m contemplating the valve choices…wow! |
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Mark Hurst says on August 27th, 2009 at 1:10 pm |
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Thanks for your comments and kind words. John and Dan, I wish you all the best in your upcoming surgeries and recoveries. Chaz, good luck to you in rehab. I found cardiac rehab to be a great experience. Mark |
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