Hi,

My name is Patricia. In 4 months I will turn 70 years young. In recently I traveled to Virginia to spend time with my favorite cousin during her illness. In a span of 9 months we talked, laughed, gossiped, joked and ate great food.

I was not my usual active self. Being house bound with no social outlet other than caring for a loved one takes a toll. I became a constant caregiver not realizing that my health was screaming for self love.

Three days after returning to Portland I had great difficulty sleeping on a Friday evening. My chest felt heavy, I had shortness of breath and could not get comfortable as I tossed and turned all night. Saturday morning I made a trip to urgent care. After an exam and having my heart activity monitored, I was urgently rushed to emergency which lead to more testing and a 3 day hospital stay.

My diagnosis is congestive heart failure with a leaky valve. That's my verbiage whereas the professionals version is more intense. To make a long story short, I'm on a renewal journey. A lifestyle change moving away from constant worry, being a caregiver, placing myself second, to loving myself first and more than ever.

I'm exercising 5 days a week 2 of which is in cardio rehab to strengthen my aging heart. I have grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way. I enjoy them so much that I live with a joyful heart and determination. On June 6 I will be participating in the heart walk for a fresh start. Please join me by supporting this worthy cause.

I Walk to Save Lives. Help me reach my goal today.