In 1957 when I was born, the heart lung machine was still quite novel. It wasn't until I was well into my 3rd year of life that a doctor talked to my mother about open heart surgery to correct my ventricular septal defect. This was the first hope my parents were given that I might live past the age of 10.

I was 4 years old when I went through open heart surgery at the Portland, Oregon medical school. My memories are vague and I'm sure my parents probably went through more emotional trauma at that time than I did.

I've had no further issues with my heart and now, in my 50's, I work as a Wellness Coach / Personal Trainer. I do weight training 3 times a week and attend an aerobics class twice a week. I'm in great shape and fully intend to see my 90th birthday in that same shape.