Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

If you’re a long-time subscriber to this blog, you know that I stick to the fundamentals here. I research and write about heart valve surgery in this blog to help patients and their caregivers. Of the 1,453 pages of information on this website, only 2 pages have strayed from this topic.

This morning, I feel compelled to deviate from the norm.

By the title of this blog, you may infer that I am going to “get political” and praise the future President of the United States, Barack Obama.

Well… You are somewhat right. However, I am not going to wax poetic on his policies, the brilliance of his campaign, his hope for the future, etc.

Instead, I am simply going to focus on the thousands of tiny goose bumps Barack Obama gave me during his acceptance speech at Grant Park in Chicago last night.

So you know, it is VERY RARE that anyone gives me goose bumps. But, when I get them, I know something special is happening.

Specifically, my goose bumps were a result of the “Yes We Can!” chants that reverberated from the Chicago crowd all-the-way to my Los Angeles home. The chant of “Yes We Can!” is powerful.

I was touched. I was moved. I was inspired by the man leading that chant and the derivatives that might positively impact us now, in these troubled times, and in the future.

“Yes I Can!”

“Yes You Can!”

“Yes We Can!”

More goose bumps.

Finally, for all of you recently diagnosed with valve disease… For all of you preparing for heart valve surgery today, tomorrow, next week, next month… For all of you who may be incredibly scared right now just thinking about it… For all of you facing the challenges and the complications of heart surgery recovery…

“Yes You Can!”

If you need help, please let me know.

Keep on tickin!

P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.

About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, a unique book which integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.

Rodney Dangerfield, who played the role of Al Czervik in the cult-classic Caddyshack, is still quoted when my family and I need a laugh. During the 1980s, we huddled around our high-tech, Betamax movie system to watch this legendary actor in the incredibly funny, golf comedy co-starring Chevy Chase, Bill Murray and Ted Knight.

As you may know, Rodney Dangerfield (1921 - 2004) is just one of many celebrities that had heart valve repair or heart valve replacement during their lifetime. Other living celebrities who battled heart valve disease include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Lehrer, Robbie Benson, Teppo Numinen, Charlie Rose and many more.

I was just reading the New York Times when I read this story about Rodney Dangerfield, his heart valve surgeries, his wife and… Respect. I thought you might like to review it:

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I was just informed by Jim Frame of Gift Of Life that the organization is preparing to host its 10,000th patient. The child will arrive in New York from Uganda.

Absolutely amazing!!!!

Congratulations to all the Gift Of Life donors, patient and organizers. To learn more about this wonderful group, please click here.

Keep on tickin!

Since launching this website and publishing my book, I have been incredibly lucky to meet and become very friendly with many, many, many heart valve surgery patients and caregivers around the world. Needless to say, I am blessed to know you. And, I consider all of you a part of my family.

On that note, I have some wonderful news to share with you… Robyn, my wife, and I are expecting our first child - A BABY BOY!!!

Robyn recently entered her second trimester. All the tests (and we’ve had a bunch done) suggest that we are going to have a healthy newborn baby around April 11, 2009. Here is a profile ultrasound of Lil’ Baby Pick:

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If you happen to be in Tacoma, Washington, you might want to have some fun and participate in Heart Walk - 2008.

On October 4th, 2008 - at 8th and Pacific in Tacoma - there will be a gathering Heart Walk, the American Heart Association’s (AHA) signature fundraising event to promote better awareness, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Click here to learn more about Heart Walk In Tacoma, Washington Sponsored by American Heart Association.

Keep on tickin!