It’s been quite a while since I have hopped on to see all
you heart Warriors! It has been a very busy past few months gearing up for our
annual Christmas ...Read more
It’s been quite a while since I have hopped on to see all
you heart Warriors! It has been a very busy past few months gearing up for our
annual Christmas Ring and Run event and also delivering to our recipients that
were chosen by our small town communities within my Minnesota County I live in. This year we raised over 40k and knocked on 72 individuals or families to “cheer”
them up for the holidays. I remember back in April about a week after I got
home from my 4th open heart surgery. I looked at my wife still in pain from surgery and said to her I wonder
why I pulled through this one. It’s been a lifelong disease from birth and this
time both the tricuspid and pulmonary valves were replaced. As we sat there, I looked
over at her and said “I don’t think my mission is over” and she thought the
same thing. Eleven years since my finding of this organization all because of
this disease and a vision to let folks make someone’s day,minute or hour that
has faced tragedy such as heart,cancer,parkinsons or other diseases and sadly
maybe the loss of a loved one during the Christmas time of year. So all of you who are still yet facing the anxiety
and wait of a valve replacement your mission is not over. Stay the path and let
the miracle workers do their thing and have faith above all that you are and
have much more to do when you recover from your surgery. Merry Christmas to all
and Blessings to you and your family during this wonderful time of year!
Valerie Allen Such a wonderful and uplifting note to all. Thank you, Mark.
Deena Z Merry Christmas, Mark. Beautiful, inspiring post.
Pamela Gregory You are very inspiring!!! Merry Christmas
Well, just a bit over a month since my double valve replacement. The worst thing I did was compare my previous surgery off of this one. Maybe age had a thing ...Read more
Well, just a bit over a month since my double valve replacement. The worst thing I did was compare my previous surgery off of this one. Maybe age had a thing to do with my first three weeks post op? But when it truly came down to it I couldn’t stop thinking about my daughter and her surgery two years ago and what a champ she was with her HCM disease. As the shirt says “Faith is what keeps this heart beating!” Sometimes you have to let go and let God carry you through those most difficult times and he did. Blessings to all you heart champs! Keep the faith!
Ana Brusso Glad to hear from you. Yes Mark, it is all about faith in a God that is always there for us. God bles ... Read more
Ana Brusso Glad to hear from you. Yes Mark, it is all about faith in a God that is always there for us. God bless you both ✝️🙏❤️
Susan Lynn Beautiful photo! Sorry you and your daughter had to travel this road, but no doubt you served as i... Read more
Susan Lynn Beautiful photo! Sorry you and your daughter had to travel this road, but no doubt you served as inspirations for each other. No one can understand the journey of a heart warrior like another heart warrior! May you both enjoy a lifetime of good health!
Wanted to give a shout out to my daughter Rose. Two years ago I was able to coach her through all the unknowns of OHS. From echo’s, caths, and ICU. Today ...Read more
Wanted to give a shout out to my daughter Rose. Two years ago I was able to coach her through all the unknowns of OHS. From echo’s, caths, and ICU. Today she turns 19 and is surviving HCM surgery done at Mayo and is now going to college. Happy Birthday Champ,I love you to the moon! She’s ready to coach me now with my upcoming surgery.
Klara Čičić Wow, Rose has been through a lot at such a young age...I bet she is stronger, braver and wiser than ... Read more
Klara Čičić Wow, Rose has been through a lot at such a young age...I bet she is stronger, braver and wiser than her peers because of this experience. She is a heart gladiator. I am wishing her all the best for her birthday
Ana Brusso Oh Mark, you are a good dad. Rose is beautiful and so smart. Happy birthday Rose and good luck in you ... Read more
Ana Brusso Oh Mark, you are a good dad. Rose is beautiful and so smart. Happy birthday Rose and good luck in your college experience. Congratulations and much success. God bless you both 🙏❤️🎂🎉🎊
Mark Buttell Kara and Ana, I learned so much with this girl about what I knew very well about regarding the strugg ... Read more
Mark Buttell Kara and Ana, I learned so much with this girl about what I knew very well about regarding the struggles and recovery aspect of OHS. IF I could trade one day in life with her it would have been that surgery date. I can certainly handle myself through this disease but to see one of my very own made it the longest day of my life. It’s an emotional roller coaster! Moving forward I will offer up my next surgery to her and all of you past and future heart Warriors to never face it again. Rather it be me than anyone. You are all incredible humans that get life and value it through these procedures!
Rose Madura A beautiful young lady (and brave warrior) for my namesake!
Ana Brusso That’s exactly who I thought about Rose when I read Mark’s story about his daughter and her name ... Read more
Ana Brusso That’s exactly who I thought about Rose when I read Mark’s story about his daughter and her name is Rose. Mark, I appreciate your sentiments not only about your beautiful daughter but all the heart warriors on this site. I myself have gone through a second OHS in two and half years and don’t wish it on anyone. Some on this site like you have gone through many more but by the Grace of God we are still here. 🥰🙏❤️ Wishing you another successful surgery, we will pray and welcome you into recovery. God bless you 🙏❤️
Diane Pellowe Wow! What a brave young woman. Wishing her all the best!
Beautiful, inspiring post.