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After Michael's Heart Valve Replacement, The Rogers Family Turn Lemons Into "Lemon-Aid"

By Adam Pick on July 6, 2011

I am consistently inspired by the patients and caregivers that make-up this community.

For example... I just learned that the Rogers family, from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, recently held a fundraiser to raise awareness for Heart Valve Journals, our social network, and our charitable efforts. As you might know, Michael Rogers, 18, underwent pulmonary heart valve replacement surgery on June 2, 2011.

Congenital heart valve patient in hospital with family and nurse

In a journal posted yesterday, Linda Rogers, Michael's mother, writes, "It seems like just yesterday I began this Journal so that we could keep our dear family and friends updated on Michael's progress through the surgery and recovery period. It's been 35 days since Michael's surgery and we're so thankful and blessed that he is doing great!"

"Lemon-Aid" At The Rogers 4th of July Golf Cart Parade

As for their charitable support of HeartValveJournals.com, Linda writes:

"Michael's big brother - Dan, his wife Debi and nieces, Isabelle and Olivia participate each year in the neighborhood 4th of July Golf Cart Parade. This year, they chose the theme of a "Lemon-Aid" stand, selling cups of lemonade for $1 to raise money to support this awesome resource - Heart Valve Journals and the Gift of Life Foundation. We're proud to say they raised over $400! We are so blessed to have family and friends - and NEW friends -- that have been so supportive of Michael and this incredible experience. T H A N K Y O U ! !" -- Linda Rogers

Needless to say, I was overwhelmed to read about this. Thanks to the Rogers family for all of their help. I am so happy to hear about their positive experience using Heart Valve Journals. Most importantly, I could not be happier knowing that Dr. Mark Bleiweis was able to work his surgical magic on Michael.

Dr. Mark Bleiweis with Michael Rogers, his patient

Michael with Dr. Mark Bleiweis, University of Florida

Keep on tickin' Michael and the entire Rogers family!
Adam

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Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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