Mitral Valve Awareness: Mara Dances Past Mitral Valve Surgery!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: April 13, 2023
It is downright wonderful to receive so many enthusiastic patient emails about “Mitral Valve Disease Awareness Week“.
First, I shared Howard’s story. This time, I am happy to share Mara Katz’s journey to a healthy heart.
Mara Says…
In her email, Mara writes to me:
Hi Adam – I’m so glad for the Mitral Valve Disease Awareness Week initiative. Luckily, my leaky mitral valve was found during an annual physical by my internist. When I was first diagnosed, I was put on an annual monitoring protocol (aka watchful waiting). My mitral valve leak started to progress and inevitably I needed a mitral valve repair.
It’s not an exact science and I chose to have the minimally-invasive repair sooner-than-later with Dr. Aubrey Galloway in New York City. My 4-year anniversary is coming up on April 16. I am so grateful the surgery is in my rear view mirror.
Your website was really helpful when I was in the midst of this crazy journey. Thank you!
People were so surprised that I had open heart surgery. I am a lifelong dancer. I’m very active, fit and healthy. I would explain about my leaky mitral valve. They always wanted to know how I found out that I had this condition. The point being there is very little awareness about this heart condition.
Sometimes, I honestly forget I even went through mitral valve surgery which is crazy but awesome. Except when I have checkups and echocardiograms. 😱
I remember a lot of redo stories on your site. Throughout my journey, I really needed a community of other heart valve patients to tap into at the time. I am a private person and have three kids. So, I really didn’t share too much. I just wanted to go inside, focus and do what I had to. Keep up the great and important work Adam!
Thanks Mara!
On behalf of our patient community, thanks so much to Mara for sharing her story and her support during Mitral Valve Disease Awareness Week!
I have to share with you… It is these stories that make my day, my week, my year, and my life.
Keep on tickin’ Mara!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Dr. Doolabh is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern who specializes in minimally-invasive heart valve surgery.
