Bicuspid Aortic Foundation View From Here

March 20, 2006

The first day of spring in the northern hemisphere...

Childhood is the springtime of life... a time of discovery, wonder, and great anticipation of the future....

Childhood days should be happy ones that we remember fondly all our lives. But sometimes, when BAVD or other forms of thoracic aortic disease are present, medical care and surgical intervention become part of the experience of a child.

"My Mommy cried so many tears that she doesn't have any left....
I was in the hospital a long time - a whole week....."

These words, spoken by a 10 year old girl recovering from aortic repair, give a glimpse into a child's view of her surgery. She has happily returned to school and her classmates again now. I will not forget our phone conversation. And I will not forget the courage required of this 10 year old child and her family as together they took steps that ultimately led to complex, life-saving surgery in her chest.

It is not easy for parents and children. In recent months, parents who are no longer young were in a hospital waiting room, standing by as their daughter had aortic surgery. This was not the first time for these parents. Years before, when she too was a little 10 year old girl, a pioneering procedure saved her life. This year, as a mature woman, she needed aortic surgery. Shortly afterward, so did her brother, and again their parents were there. I will not forget the courage with which this family also has dealt with bicuspid aortic valve disease.

Today I also remember my husband's parents, both gone now, and their life-long concern for their son -- first his heart murmur and later the aortic valve and aneurysm surgeries he had while they were alive.

On this first day of spring in California, my thoughts turn to many families who have contacted us, particularly those with young children. While many children may not require surgery, there are still numerous questions about their care.

As part of the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation's mission to advance the well being and longevity of those with BAVD and other forms of thoracic aortic disease, we will continue to seek expertise and pursue answers for everyone. And we will not forget the children, who today are in the springtime of their lives.

May we keep springtime in our hearts through out the year,
helping parents and children live in a climate of hope.

With very best wishes to all,

Arlys Velebir

Chair, Bicuspid Aortic Foundation

Contact Us

Bicuspid Aortic Foundation
30100 Town Center Drive, Suite O-299
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Telephone
Toll free in the US (888) 310-HOPE (4673)
or
(949) 495-0027

Fax: (949) 606-0413

Email: contactus@bicuspidfoundation.com

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