Have you heard? There's a great way to support this podcast by...Joining The Patreon Community! Thank you for considering. Before I dish on this week's episode, there's an event my fellow heart buddy, Leigh, will be participating in this month which is the Adult Congenital Heart Association’s Walk for 1 in 100, an event to raise money and awareness about congenital heart conditions. Have you heard of the ACHA? It's one of the many non-profits in the U.S. that are working to improve the lives of Leigh and myself. Leigh was born with a heart defect called tricuspid atresia. Her "weird and special heart" requires lifelong, specialized care, and she's not alone. More than 2.5 million people in the U.S. have congenital heart conditions—heart defects are the most common birth defect in America, affecting 1 in 100 babies. Medical advances have allowed many more people to survive into adulthood, but adequate medical care is still difficult to access. Research is scant. Many people with CHDs grow up without ever meeting anyone like them. The ACHA has been working to change this reality for more than a quarter century, advocating for legislation in Washington, D.C., accrediting specialized cardiology clinics, funding research, and hosting events to educate and bring together this community. Their efforts have directly benefited Leigh, from the webinars that have given me much needed information to the research that has helped her understand "bum ticker." I personally am so thankful I met Leigh and now call her a heart buddy. She is just a gem of a human. If you feel compelled, donate to ACHA in honor of her and the beauty she brings to this world. In the meantime... this week's episode with Joel Oliver and his mechanical mitral valve...
It's amazing what our tender hearts can endure. Joel's story is raw and honest. Notable quote: "You don't feel very good for weeks and weeks after the fact, but just have that hope and that reassurance that it's going to be okay." I agree with Joel. Heart surgery is so hard and then, all of a sudden, it's all better and life is more beautiful than one can imagine. Key Highlights:
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. Join The Patreon Community!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG! This is THE PLACE TO BE on the internet. :) In case no one has told you today, I love you, thank you for being here, and your heart is your best friend. xo Boots |
I give voice to heart patients world-wide through story-telling and education through weekly interviews with heart patients, health care providers and caregivers.
The Joyful Beat Newsletter From the desk of Boots Knighton Game Creek Bluff in Idaho, USA Issue 29 | February 11, 2025 Sponsored by: Could this be you? Hey, it's Boots! It's time to talk about the birds and the bees this week when it comes to open-heart surgery or any surgery or life stressor for that matter... after all, it's Valentine's Day this Friday for those that celebrate. It's also time to talk about ED and what that means for your health whether you were born with male bits or female...
(included in this email are a list of many great resources at the bottom to go with this week's episode) Hello Heart Friends. I have returned from a week in North Carolina where I attended the funeral of one of my dearest childhood friends, Bess Harrell Little. I gave myself the entire week off so I could focus on Bess, her family, seeing my dad and stepmom, and just honoring my deep sadness. It's been such a disturbing couple of weeks since Bess died unexpectedly in her sleep the day before...
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...