top of page

Helvetica Light is an easy to read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.

adamsmithpict.jpg

Photo Credit: Adam Smith , Photography

I am a wife, mother,  daughter,  sister, friend, patient advocate,  American Heart Association National Heart Valve  Ambassador, global humanitarian and heart disease survivor. A  couple of years ago , I received a new heart valve plus a pace maker. I was born with an abnormal heart valve  and developed symptoms at age 42.  I notified my doctor, a  test was ordered then I received a mechanical valve. Four days later I developed heart blockage . The doctor informed my family that I would need a pace maker to help my heart function. A year later, my third  surgery took place  :  pace maker revision. My fourth surgery took place on December 21st, 2015; I received new batteries  in my pace maker.

How I cope with heart disease on a daily basis?

       a)  Pray

       b) Take One day at a Time

       c)  I rely on my faith in God

       d)  Read Daily Devotionals

       e)  Write in my journal

       f)   Maintain a good relationship with my amazing medical team

       g)  Keep the lines of communication open with my family, neighbors, friends,                    church community, and medical team; especially on the days when I'm not

            feeling 100%

       h)  I use my gift of service ( provide hope and encouragement) to help patients                  and their caregivers.

​

​

​

          Five things I wish I knew before my heart valve procedure…….

 

 

  1.    More information about the  potential side effects after surgery;  anemia, shortness of     breath, low endurance ; which occurred after my open heart procedure

  2.    Time frame for the recovery process…

  3.    How to cope with the physical limitations

  4.    How to prepare for the transition ; post-surgery

  5.    More information about the medication

 

 

​

       Five Things I know now: after my  heart valve replacement  & three                   pace maker surgeries

 

  1.    Each day is a gift from God.

  2.    It’s very important to notify my cardiologist when I develop any new symptoms;  I'm         so thankful for my doctor.

  3.    Keep the lines of communication open with my family & friends re; my recovery.

  4.    Focus on the positive; reach out, give back to the community : help others cope with       heart related issues.

  5.    Press through the low moments, stay  positive, focused , strong  &  never ,never give        up.

​

 

​

 

Practicing Self Care during a Pandemic and Seven Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

​

Please  click the link(s) below and  feel free to share the healthy resources  with your family and friends.

 

COVID-19 – Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) | American Heart Association

 

Self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic – Mayo Clinic Health System

 

Kids coping with the COVID-19 pandemic – Mayo Clinic News Network

 

Be Healthy For Good with Life’s Simple 7 Infographic | American Heart Association

​

​

​

​

 

 


                                  I thank God for saving my life..

         12 Year Heart Valve Disease  Survivor: true blessing

​

​

​

​

​

    

“Saving Lives Together”   :

Please click the link below for additional information

2021 Greater Atlanta Heart Walk Custom Ink Fundraising

bottom of page