Hi friends.

We had our first meetup on Zoom for the Patreon community this weekend. Folks who know me well know that I rarely shed a tear... like maybe once a year, if my tear ducts are lucky. Well, I shed a tear on Sunday evening as I looked at the souls who have supported my podcast and who are now showing up in the community to support each other. It's a small yet intentional community that holds promise and hope for those who will join in the coming months.

While I can't save everyone, I can help the next person who's diagnosed with a heart condition. The medical community just isn't set up to give hugs or offer anything outside of the silo that the insurance industry has now formed around our providers. So, this podcast and the community are here to fill in the gaps.

A personal story: the first defect that was found in my heart at age 42 was a bicuspid aortic valve. I'll never forget how the first cardiologist who found it, never provided education or a game plan. He brushed it off because it wasn't the cause of my symptoms at the time. But here's the thing... I had to go to Dr. Google to educate myself which caused emotional distress. Having a BAV is a big deal and requires lifelong care. I now get yearly echocardiograms and am mindful of any new or different sensations in my heart. It was a huge mental/emotional shift. But that first cardiologist provided nothing for me to go on. I felt as if I was flapping in the breeze.

When I learned about Heart Valve Voice - US, I was so relieved. This organization is advocating for valve patients across the US to implement better care and more effective policy coming out of Washington, DC, to ensure patients continue to have access to care.

"The Heart Valve Voice mission is to improve the diagnosis, treatment and management of heart valve disease by raising awareness of its severity to ensure timely detection so that all patients receive appropriate support and the right treatment at the right time, ultimately leading to a future with greater quality and longevity of life."

If you have been diagnosed with a heart valve disease, please be sure to check out HVV - US and tell them I sent you.

Hope marches on this week in the four-part series, Hope for the Holidays. I'm still keeping these episodes short and so sweet.

Lisa Mihan is still feeling 20 years younger after a myectomy. A Septal myectomy is a procedure that removes excess muscle from the thickened septum, a wall that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. It can improve blood flow caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Episode overview:

Lisa and I discuss the deep emotional impact of heart surgery, the invaluable support of community and family, and the importance of not giving up hope. Whether you’re navigating your own heart journey or supporting someone who is, Lisa's story is a beacon of inspiration.

🌟 Key Takeaways:

• Lisa had to fight to get the correct diagnosis. Her experience is a sobering reminder to persist in seeking the medical care you need.
• Lisa’s milestone moments post-surgery and the support she received from her friends and family highlight the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong support network.
• Despite the challenges, Lisa and I reflect on living with gratitude and the unexpected gifts that come from such life-altering experiences.
• Diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at the age of 56, Lisa shares her arduous journey to get a proper diagnosis and her life-changing myectomy at NYU Langone.
• Remarkably, Lisa feels 20 years younger and continues to show steady improvement, two and a half years post-surgery. From hiking to playing tennis four times a week, Lisa's story is a testament to resilience and perseverance.
• Lisa opens up about the emotional and spiritual aspects of her recovery, emphasizing the freedom and gratitude she now enjoys.

Call to Action: please leave a review, if you haven't already. It truly makes a difference in the podcast is found. Share this episode with friends and family to spread the message of hope and resilience.

Stay Connected: Follow me on social media and stay tuned for more inspiring stories. If you have a story to share, feel free to reach out; we’d love to hear from you.

In case no one has told you today, I love you, you matter, and you are not alone.

xo Boots