About Me (In My Own Words)
“She’ll never live.” These were the first words a new mother heard from the attending nurse when her child was born. The baby was blue, weighed less than four pounds, and had some type of serious heart “problem.” That child was me.
As a child, I never really understood exactly what condition I had or what the severity of it was. My pediatrician only noted that I had a heart “murmur,” my heart sounding like galloping horses. In hindsight, I can appreciate that in the late 1950s, medical science and diagnostic tools weren't where they are today, making an accurate and complete diagnosis difficult. I only knew that I got tired easily during gym class, couldn’t run as fast as everyone else, and had trouble keeping off weight. Sports were not a part of my world growing up, particularly in a pre-Title 9 world. But that was fine by me—I focused on brains, not brawn--an area in which I excelled.
Not knowing the severity of my condition and any limitations it posed, I was determined from an early age to attend the Naval Academy. My dad was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and was killed when I was six months old serving his country. It was my long-standing goal to honor his memory by attending the Academy and becoming a career officer. I remember asking my mother as a child why girls couldn't attend the Academy. After all, I knew I had the intelligence and determination. Finally, it seemed that my wish would become reality--I was thrilled when I was in the first group of women selected to attend the Academy, pending medical clearance. I had already met the academic requirements and passed the physical fitness test so I didn’t foresee any problems. In fact, I already had a roommate!
It was when I had to undergo a comprehensive medical exam that my complete congenital heart issues were made clear. I had Ebstein’s Anomaly, a rare congenital defect. I was denied admittance to the Academy because my heart posed too much of a risk. I was devastated.
This was the first time I had experienced any major limitations or discrimination based on my heart disease. I was angry, and vowed I would do my best to stay as fit and healthy as possible.
I am determined not to let my heart disease limit me; rather, I use it to spur me to new challenges and opportunities. If you are living with heart disease, I urge you to view this as a challenge, not a limitation.
I exercise by swimming a half mile a day and/or walking a mile. I also participate in indoor triathlons. In my younger days, I was an equestrian; and even competed in Ireland.
I enjoy helping those who are living with or are at risk of heart disease. It is a privilege. My volunteer work with WomenHeart and the Adult Congenital Heart Association allows gives me the opportunity to share my story and encourage those with heart disease to thrive, not just thrive.
After 57 years, the time has come for me to undergo my first open heart surgery. While I am somewhat anxious, I know my quality of life will improve as a result. I can't wait to be back swimming and walking Kovu!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Albany, New York
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My surgery date is:
May 21, 2015
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I was diagnosed with:
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Tricuspid Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Tricuspid Valve Repair
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Thomas MacGillivray
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My hospital is:
Massachusetts General Hospital
