Can you share your experience with heart valve disease?
It all started with what I thought was a routine check-up. I felt perfectly fine, but during a physical, my doctor heard a heart murmur and suggested I get it checked out. That follow-up echo revealed I had a bicuspid aortic valve and an aortic aneurysm. It was a shock because I didn’t have any symptoms at all—I was just living my life as usual. Knowing I needed open-heart surgery to fix the problem before it became life-threatening really hit home. It’s a reminder that heart disease can sneak up on you, even if you feel healthy.
What encouraged you to become a patient advocate?
After my surgery, I started thinking about how different my life would have been if my doctor had shrugged off the murmur, like all my doctors since age 12 had done. It made me realize that a lot of people out there might not get that lucky. I felt like I had a responsibility to share my story, not as a medical expert, but just as a regular guy who had a wake-up call. That’s when my wife, Amy, and I decided to start Rock from the Heart, to raise awareness about heart valve disease and provide support to patients and families. If sharing my experience could help someone catch their own heart issue early, then it was worth it.
How did you become involved with Heart Valve Voice US, as well as other heart health advocacy organizations?
After founding Rock from the Heart, I began connecting with other heart valve patients, and that’s how I came across Heart Valve Voice US. They focus on raising awareness and supporting people with valve disease, which aligned perfectly with what we were trying to do. I joined some of their events and campaigns, bringing my own story and the mission of Rock from the Heart along with me. It’s not just about spreading the word—it’s about creating a community where we can all support and learn from each other.
Why do you think it is important for other patients living with heart valve disease to share their story?
It’s important because heart valve disease often flies under the radar. Many people, like me, don’t have any symptoms. When you hear stories from others who had no idea anything was wrong, it brings awareness to the fact that routine check-ups can save lives. That’s one of the reasons we started Rock from the Heart—to help bring those stories to light. Sharing experiences helps build a sense of community and shows others that they’re not alone in this. It’s powerful to know that someone else has been where you are and made it through.
In your opinion, what can patients, health professionals, and advocacy groups do to continue raising awareness about valve disease?
I think it starts with talking about it more—whether that’s patients sharing their experiences, doctors being proactive about discussing heart health during check-ups, or advocacy groups organizing events that bring people together. That’s exactly why we founded Rock from the Heart, to keep the conversation going and make heart valve disease part of the dialogue so it doesn’t get overlooked. Even simple things, like social media posts or community talks, can reach someone who needs to hear it.
What is one fun fact that others may not know about you?
I’m a drummer, and I actually had the chance to double drum with Gina Schock from The Go-Go’s—who’s also a heart surgery survivor! It was a blast and a special moment to share the stage with someone who’d been through a similar experience. Music has always been a big part of my life, and founding Rock from the Heart has given me another way to share my passion and make a difference. Drumming with a fellow survivor made it even more meaningful.
