~written by Alexa, Heart Hero~
As I sit here in my college’s library, I am trying to wrap my head around it all, attempting to discover my story. You see, everyone has a story of course, but when I was asked to actually put my own into words it was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing. I’m only 18 years old, 19 in May, and somehow I have a story. When I first got to thinking about this all, my first reaction was “what story?” Yes, I was born with a congenital heart defect, but I never needed any surgeries, I was very lucky in comparison with so many with my same situation. Then I began to really think, and I came to the realization that my story is one of inspiration, not that I am an inspiration, but that my own CHD had inspired me to do so much.
At three days old, my doctor had discovered a heart murmur, which this early in life is usually the sign of something more. A pediatric cardiologist was called in and I was soon transferred to a new hospital to evaluate the severity of said murmur. From this, I was diagnosed with both ventricular septal defect (VSD), as well as Ebstein’s anomaly. My cardiologist, who I still see to this day, made the bold decision that my ailments were not bad enough for surgery and my hole would eventually correct itself. I was put on medication for about the first year of my life and saw my cardiologist at least once a month. I never did need to undergo surgery, and at this point in my life my hole is almost completely closed. My only real struggles were my limitations when it came to running or playing, but that was something that I came to get used to. It was a part of my life and there was nothing I could change about it. Besides, who wanted to ride roller coasters anyway? I still got to do everything I wanted. I was a girl scout for 12 years. I participated in the band and marching band, marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan four times. I got to go to junior prom with all my friends. I went to almost every football game at my high school and each homecoming and pep rally. I attended my senior prom with my handsome date, who ended up becoming my boyfriend who supports me in all that I do and even helps out with any CHD related events I try to do. I graduated high school, at number 20 in the class, too. My CHD never, ever held me back from succeeding.
Today I sit in the library of St. Joseph’s College where I am a freshman biology major on a full tuition scholarship. I plan to one day go into the field of cardiology, whether it be research, working in a cardiology office, or perhaps even becoming a cardiologist. Oh, and of course I 100% plan to work in pediatrics. In about 20 minutes, I’m going to have to make my way over to chemistry, where I will sit in confusion and boredom, but I know one day I’ll be infinity thankful for the knowledge as I help those who did not happen to come out as lucky as I did.
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