Stories of Hope

Brian Cleary and Richard Houchin - BAV Heart Brothers

Just after having lunch together one day, Richard suddenly collapsed in agony. Brian called 911. Richard survived the aortic dissection, first of all thanks to Brian. Unknown to anyone, Brian had an aneurysm in his own chest that day, and later had surgery to remove it. Read Richard’s Story Read Brian’s Story

Creating a Climate of Hope, an Atmosphere of Caring, and Information for All

Sandra Croff - Familial TAD

Sandra knew something was terribly wrong. She searched for help in many places until one day she spoke to an old family friend. Their phone conversation gave Sandra hope, and was the beginning of regaining her life. Read Sandra’s Story here.

Chris Fox - BAV and Aortic Dissection in Australia

Chris and others like him represent a very vulnerable group of individuals. With no heart murmur and no symptoms until the sudden onset of severe chest pain, especially at a young age when this might be least expected, Chris experienced bicuspid aortic valve disease in its most treacherous form . . . . Read Chris’ story here

Bob Gies - BAV and Undiagnosed Aortic Aneurysm

A heart murmur was detected during a school sports physical, but Bob was allowed to play anyway. For decades he lived an active lifestyle until a rapid heart beat sent him looking for help. Read Bob’s story here.

Michael Balin - Undiagnosed BAV and aortic dissection

Michael was a cardiac nurse, caring for those recovering from open heart surgery. Despite his medical background, his symptoms due to aortic dissection were not recognized until it was almost too late. Find Michael’s story here.

Jen Lopez - Multiple Dissections and Heart Transplant

Jen lost her Father and Grandmother just five months apart to aortic dissection and rupture.

Years later, in the ER herself she heard those same words “aortic dissection” applied to her.

She is the first in her family to survive multiple dissections, including the arteries of her heart.

Read Jen’s Story Here.

Carrie Mettler - BAV, Aortic Aneurysm, and Brain Aneurysm

Carrie remembers her heart hurting when she was a little girl, but nothing was found. A gifted athlete, she qualified as a fire fighter, a life long dream. Then, she began passing out. It was the beginning of her journey with BAV and TAD. Read Carrie’s Story Here.

Dianna Rose and John Johnston - Sister and Brother with BAV

A heart murmur was detected in Dianna at the age of 6 months. Constricted blood flow affected her as child, but she survived long enough for a new procedure to open up her aortic valve when she was 11. On the other hand, John was very active and athletic, until as an adult he began to notice symptoms. Ultimately, they had BAV and aneurysm surgery within a few weeks of each other. Find their story here.

BJ Sanders - BAV and Aneurysm

BJ struggled to find answers about her heart and her body. Finding those answers, including help with out of control blood pressure, has made all the difference. Read BJ’s Story Here.

Chuck and Cheri Sheridan

Their story begins with Chuck’s dissection while swimming. He survived but later was told he would need two high risk surgeries due to additional problems with his aorta. Cheri describes being “frozen with fear”. They ultimately found hope and help. Read Their Story Here.

What is BAV?
Aortic ABC's
Support for Family and Friends

What is TAD?
Aortic ABC's
Support for Family and Friends

Aorta
BAV and Other Heart Valves
Blood Pressure
Exercise/Weight Lifting
Featured Papers
Guidelines
Familial TAAD
History
Honoring Dr. M.E. Abbott
Pictures (graphic content)
Pictures Valvular Strand, Aneurysm (graphic)
Prosthetic Heart Valves
Scientific Awards
Spotlight on Research - Coming Soon
Video (graphic content)

Athletes
- Derek Owens
Children's Corner
- Emerson - Our Miracle Boy
Loving Memories
Stories of Hope
My Journey of the Heart - Father Prodromos Nikolaou
My Journey of the Heart Continues - Father Prodromos Nikolaou