This post was authored by “I am CardioSmart” patient contest winner Deborah Flaherty-Kizer. 

I was born blue, weighing in at less than four pounds and with some type of serious heart “problem.” Growing up, I never understood exactly what condition I had or its implications for my life. This was the 1950s — my pediatrician only noted that my heart sounded like galloping horses.

I always felt somewhat alone with my disease, which I later learned was Ebstein's Anomaly. Not knowing the severity of my condition or any limitations it posed, I was determined to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. My biological father was an Academy graduate and was killed serving his country when I was six months old. It was my long-standing goal to honor his memory by attending the Academy and becoming a career officer. I was in the first group of women selected to attend the Academy, pending medical clearance. Finally, my wish was becoming reality.

When I had to undergo a comprehensive medical exam my congenital heart issues were made clear. Because of the rare defect, I was denied admittance to the Academy. I was devastated. This was the first time I had experienced any major limitations or discrimination based on my heart disease. I was angry and vowed I would do my best to stay as fit and healthy as possible.

Being CardioSmart means taking the steps I need to lead a healthy lifestyle. I realize it is important for everyone to do so, but for me I feel the stakes are higher. I try to eat healthy, exercise and manage stress the best I can. I also find that I need to maintain a positive attitude.

Being CardioSmart also means being empowered to find doctors I feel can work best on my “team.” I have come to appreciate that I am not a run-of-the-mill patient and need to find doctors who are willing to treat the whole patient. With CardioSmart, I can track my exercise and blood pressure daily, which provides me with additional data points I can share with my doctor. CardioSmart also helps me be an empowered patient who is participating in, not just receiving, care.

I am also honored to be a WomenHeart Champion for WomenHeart, the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. As a WomenHeart Champion I have told my story at conferences, nurses’ meetings and women’s groups.

What motivates me is being able to accomplish something I never thought achievable and hopefully inspiring someone else to do the same. I also want to set a good example for my young adult children that at any age you can scale new mountains and continue to grow!

Read more about Deborah’s story on CardioSmart.org. This blog post is part of a special series on the topic of patient engagement.

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