About Me (In My Own Words)
On 4/3/23, I walked into MCCA with nothing but a story.
I had no stability, no home of my own, no momentum, no certainty, no self-trust, almost two decades of self-alienation from family, and no guarantees. But I did have one thing: a story that refused to die. A story that whispered, “If you give me a chance, I will carry you.”
That story became my survival strategy. I made a quiet pact with the Universe:
“If I get myself clean, I will tell the truth, openly, honestly, and without reserve, in the hope that my words might help someone else find their light.”
And the Universe responded.
It sent me a Sponsor/New best friend.
It sent me a position in service I absolutely love.
It sent me WCSU.
It sent me professors who believe in me.
It sent me Mom.
It sent me spiritual teachers, synchronicities, and moments of grace.
It even sent the nurse who said, “Good luck with your book.”
And on November 12th, 2025, it sent me safely into and safely out of the Ross Procedure at Danbury Hospital: A 5-hour operation, a repaired heart, and a renewed purpose.
I walked into that surgery with a failing bicuspid aortic valve and severe regurgitation. Both of which I only found out about after getting clean and responsible with my body. And I also walked in with that same promise I made in early recovery: to tell my truth, to share what I’ve lived through, and to let my journey be of service.
Waking up after surgery wasn’t just a medical moment, it was spiritual, emotional, and life-changing. It felt like the Universe saying, “Agreed. Now go keep your promise.”
My writing, reflections, and website are not just projects. They are the scaffolding of my rebirth. Every paragraph I write is one brick in the foundation of my new life. Every time I hit “post,” I widen the path beneath my feet. Every time I speak honestly, I keep the pact I made on the darkest night of my life.
I didn’t survive addiction, the loss of my family, homelessness, shame, trauma, and a 5-hour open-heart surgery just to live quietly:
I survived to speak.
I survived to awaken.
I survived to serve.
I survived to help someone else feel less alone in their darkest hour.
I survived to tell the truth with humility, humor, and holy honesty.
I once walked into rehab with nothing but a story.
Now I have a life built around telling it.
And the most beautiful part?
I haven’t even begun the second volume yet.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
BROOKFIELD, CT
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My surgery date is:
November 12, 2025
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Ross Procedure
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Kenneth Hassler
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My hospital is:
Nuvance Health - Danbury Hospital
