Heavenly Father above, Please keep Tony close to your heart and send your angels to watch over and guide the many doctors and nurses that will be involved in his heart valve surgery this morning. Keep him strong and safe so that he can continue his incredible life of joy that he shares with all who know him! Bless Heather as she awaits the outcome of this surgery. Keep her strong and at peace for herself, Tony and little AJ. Bless all of Tony's very large family that they stay strong and faith-filled. Tony is a blessing to all. Thank you God for Tony. Love, Auntie "B"

Prayers and good thoughts to you..and wishes of strength to your beautiful wife.
Thinking of you guys,
Danielle Posey

Tony,
By the time you read this, your surgery will be over and done with! Thank you for taking the time and effort to post your story on this website.
I too was born with a biscuspid valve. I have 20 yrs on you: I'm 52 and will likely have surgery in a few months - probably in Houston, Tx.
Everybody says valve surgery in this day and age is "no big deal" and lots of other people have gone through it and have lived more enjoyable lives as a result.
Though you and I have never met, I will be thinking about you tomorrow (Nov. 9th) and I wish you a speedy recovery!
Scott Miller

Peace & prayers to you, Heather, & the whole family. Can't wait to hear that you are out of surgery & recovering like the champ you are. You are loved!! The Barger family.

Tony, Our thoughts & prayers are with you & Heather tomorrow & throughout your recovery.
Love, Bill & Nancy

Hi Tony,
You, Heather and baby AJ will be at the top of my prayer list! I know you will be fine because you have so much love and support...as was evident at your wedding!
Now go hit that grand slam!!!
Sincerely,
Erin Armstrong

Hey Tony, I’ll be thinking of you and Heather on Friday. Being surrounded by family and friends you’ll be able to conquer anything. In a blink of an eye it will be over and the recovery will start and you’ll feel better than ever, and in a blink of an eye you’ll be running after AJ trying to keep him out of trouble. LOL
Love Connie

You do know why they design hospital gowns that way, don't you? To make your stay more bare-able.

Godspeed Tony, I'm rooting for you!

...Vicki D

Hey Tony, It's Auntie "B"! I have most all of my church praying for you! You are going to be fine. You have a good attitude and great outlook on life, a lovely wife and a future sports person on the way! WOW! You have so much to look forward to. Know that everyone is "rooting" for you and God is sending all of his health angels to help guide the doctors and nurses as they repair your beautiful heart valve.

Keep a smile Tony! Remember all of the many people that love you and that most of all God loves you. Peace my dear nephew. Love Auntie "B" and Jim

Hey Tony!
Just wanted to let you know we'll be thinking about you tomorrow and sending you all of our prayers!
Love,
Donna Pontarolo (Escobar)

Grand Slam HOME RUN ! Just like Buster Posey against the reds, your going to be ok! The Garza family's here for you, Heather and AJ! We love you guys, thank you for allowing me into your life. "Abel Garza"

Tony,

I'm thinking about you everyday and praying for a successful surgery tomorrow and quick recovery! It's about time to put this in the past, and look forward to an amazing future with Heather and AJ :). I have no doubt you will get through this like the champion you are! I love you Stabone!! Xo

Love,
Stacey

Tony,
Lot's of love and prayers for you tomorrow!
Love,
Denise Trione Hicks

Hey Tony! Been thinking about you buddy, just want to say good luck tomorrow. Your positive attidude and your strength is amazing! Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery.
-Dado and the rest of the Gomez family

Hello Tony, I am Carin's cousin originally from Texas now living in Memphis Tn. I would like to say congratulations to you and Heather as you begin your life together! I saw the video of the wedding and some pictures on Facebook and it was absolutely beautiful. Of course you had the most gorgeous bride! I have been reading notes from Carin about your upcoming surgery and want you to know that you will be in our hearts and prayers. We pray that everything will go smoothly with the surgery and that your recuperation will be fast. Once the healing takes place you will probably feel better than ever! Love and prayers, Leah Pitman

Tony,

Know that I will be praying for you....you have always been one of my favorite people and I glad to see that you have been blessed with a loving wife, family and friends that love you and a son coming your way! ~ Frank Galvan

Hey Tony,

We just met at the wedding, but we are sending prayers your way! All will be OK....
Love,
The Bowkers

Tony de Tiger!
I feel like I know you like a brother even though we have only hung out a few times. I know everything will be okay. You are surrounded by so much love! Heather is a very strong woman! You guys will soon have an amazing family! Love you, Heather and baby AJ!
Love, Tareena Oakley-Ferrero (basically, your other sister-in-law on the Ferrero side)

:)

Tony, please.

Hey bro! Cant wait to see you on Friday morning before the surgery. You will do great and just remember you have ALL of us by your side. We will be cheering you on along the way just like the champ that you are. Before you know it, you'll be back on the field doin' your thang with the team. I am always here for you. Heather, and AJ and would do anything for you guys. xoxo.

Love, Jenna

tony: we will miss you at bocce - you are in our thoughts and prayers - know that we will be in touch with heather, carin and bob - not to worry - all will be fine. ruthie and bernie

Tony, Ernie and I don't know you yet but we sure do trust Heather's judgement! We loved
Seeing you together at your beautiful wedding.
Let the joy and love you felt that day carry you through this episode. On the other side of it will be even more joy as you and Heather welcome AJ and begin your family life together. You are all in our hearts, judy

Hey Tony, Sending you lots of prayers and well wishes on this surgery. As one of the "older" cousins I remember when you had your first one. It was so amazing to how well you came through that and you will do it again with just as much spunk and energy as you did then. Heal quickly so you can spoil your new wife and soon to be baby boy. Love Lisa Spiegel

Tony -
Sending you our prayers and best wishes for a very speedy recovery. My husband had a mitral valve repair 6 years ago at the age of 48. He was the "youngster" in the cardiac ward, as I'm sure you will be. Stay positive and know that everything will be just fine. The waiting really is the hardest part. Hang in there. Best wishes,

Shannon & Ron Eastin

We are sending you lots of warm, healing vibes from So Cal Tony! We hope to meet you someday soon as well. My boys are big into baseball and very serious about their playing. I'm sure they'd love to get on the field with you someday!
Wishing you a speedy and painless recovery!

Love,
Jill (Dossa) Anderson - Heather's cousin

Hey Tony,
Our prayers and love for you from all of us down here in So Cal. I know that everything will be fine. You were right in what you said, that you hope Heather takes care of herself during this time. You guys are a great couple together.
Love you Man & see you soon,
Dennis, Becki, & Daniel

Tony-kins! The Crvarich-kins have you in our thoughts and prayers and we know you will cruz through this - you are strong and determined and it will be a short time until you are joining us for bocce!!! Love you!!!!!

Hi Tony!! You are truly an inspiration...so positive, so joyful and focused. I am having surgery on Thursday Jan 3rd, 2013th to repair my mitral valve. I was born with a congenital heart murmur. Many people can live a full life with this condition but the regurgitation level eventually became too high and was starting to damage my heart if not repaired. My surgeon is Dr Alfredo Trento at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. He is amazing. I have a really good attitude but I will admit that I am nervous...but I know I am in great hands. I will be thinking about your successful surgery and holding a prayer that day for you. All the Best. Mark McGee Farris

Paul and I will be thinking of you and sending good vibes your way. I am sure that everything will turn out great and you will be on the road to recovery right away. It won't be long until that baby comes and you will make such a great Dad. We think of you often and feel so lucky to have met you. Take care and we will be thinking and praying for you.
Jackie & Paul Ankenman

Hey Tony, it's nikki and i just wanted to remind you that you are rad and will rebound so quickly from the surgery and be back in action in no time coaching your Bears! I'll be praying for you!
-nikki (lieb)

Hey Tony Wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you as you go into surgery this Friday. You know you will be in great hands as you will come home with a new lease on life, a birthday in December and a little 'miracle of life' waiting to meet his daddy, just around the corner. Sending you positive healing vibes for a fast recovery. U ROCK my little cousin. Love ya :) LP

Hi Tony,
I just wanted to say that I will be praying for a great success here. Also, my aunt was in her 80's when she had successful valve surgery....and it was about 20 years ago....lots of progress since then.
Luv ya,
Aunt Maureen

Hi Tony,

My name is Dirk, I am 44 and had open heart surgery 6 weeks ago to fix a aortic aneurysm. I also have a bicuspid valve which they left alone for now. The waiting part is the worst, the surgery will be just fine. You feel nothing, the breathing tube is usually out by the time you wake up. Day 3 of recovery is the most unpleasant but never pain full. I was on extra strength Tylenol for 10 days thats it. Download some good TV series (Breaking Bad etc) and enjoy your time off. I was back in the office after 3 weeks part time, full time after 5 weeks. This will be over and done with in no time and 3 months from now it will be a distant memory.
Cheers
Dirk

Tony, I had aortic surgery at 43. I'm 4 years post op and rockin and rolling. I look back and think I would do it again if I had to so try not to let it stress you too much.

Fast recovery to you !

Brian

Many prayers and blessings to you on a successful surgery. I, too, am having a mitral valve repair and maze procedure on Nov 9 at St. Vincent's in Portland, OR
I'll be thinking about you as we go to surgery together on that day! I agree-bring it on!

Hi Tony,
I know all will be good. My son, who is now 23, had AVR a couple of years ago ( due to severe regurgitation) and is doing great. He has had a total of 3 open heart surgeries and I have to say... the AVR was was by far the easiest on him.... stay strong and have faith..

Dear Tony, The time has come to totally place your trust in God. He has given wisdom and knowledge to your Doctors. He will guide their hands and be with you through this time in your life. Praying for peace for you , Heather and familys, that only God can give. Know that we care deeply for you and await the wonderful results that your surgery will bring. Blessings & love, Aunt Shari& Uncle Bill

Tony,
Sarah (Lickiss) sent out a message to our family to let us know what was happening. You will do fantastically well! You are young and in shape and have a good attitude---that is HUGE!!!
Mike had open heart surgery in 2004, so we have some personal experience with it. If Heather has any questions or worries, I'd be happy to talk to her......sometimes talking to someone who has been there helps.
Just want to let you know we are praying for you, and we know you'll be fine and be feeling great in no time!

Tony -
Have been thinking about you and your family a lot since reading these posts. I understand that this is a scary time, but also believe in you, your docs and team you will have taking care of you. You will rock it! The docs and nurses are there to help you AND your family through this difficult time so don't be afraid to ask any questions. As an (almost) nurse, I know that I am more than happy to do anything I can to comfort and help my patient's family understand anything and everything. I'm sure the nurses at your facility feel the same way. Can't wait to read the posts from afterwards! Congrats to you and Heather and how bout them Giants!!

Thinking of you & all the Arnerichs,
Michele Andrews

Tony - Good luck!! You have come to the right place. My son who is 2 had the Aortic Coarctation when he was 6 weeks old and has a Bicuspid valve. He's good after the surgery and we keep an eye on him with yearly cardiologist apt.

I am 39 with 3 boys and one more on the way and had AVR done in Feb of this year. I am doing great and feel better than ever. This is a site to ask any question you want and you will get many responses.

Good luck and let me know if I can answer any questions.

Jimmy Johnson
AVR 2/20/12 Bovine tissue valve

I will be praying for you. My favorite scripture that has helped me as I get ready for my Surgery this week has been. Philippians 4:6-7.

Hey Tony,

Thinking about you and your up coming surgery. You will rock it like you do everything else. Good luck with everything. Thoughts are prayers with you and your family.

Amanda Theis

Hey Tony,

Good luck with the surgery bud. Look forward to hanging with you after your recovery!!

-Simon the omelet guy

Hi Tony,
To your question about how many people will be allowed to see you afterward, I know that all hospitals are different. My husband and daughter were allowed to see me right away in ICU and they were allowed to stay as long as they wanted. I was really grateful to have them there! I went to Cleveland Clinic. A few weeks ago, my 85 year old dad had emergency OHS to replace his mitral valve. He had it done in Milwaukee, and while they allowed two at a time in ICU, they made us leave after 15 minutes. After seeing my dad all hooked up and swollen, I can say it was really hard to see, but I was also VERY GRATEFUL to see that he had made it, so it didn't seem that bad. And he looked a ton better the next time I saw him.
Godspeed and good luck to you.....stay strong! It won't be nearly as bad as you are imagining......waiting truly is the hardest part.
Deb Z.

Hey Arne,
Just wanted to let you know we are all thinking about you over here on the East Coast. This will heal up just like your big toe did when you kicked the bed in your sleep. Can't wait to hear from you. Miss you tons.
Love, Ty W

Tony, Thinking of you and sending wishes for a speedy recovery. Love you!

Love, Matt, Katie, Ashley and Sophie

Hey Buddy :)
I just read your journals and you truly haven't changed a bit! Still determined, a go-getter, and you have such a positive outlook! I just wanted to let you know I'm certainly keeping you and your new little family in my thoughts and prayers. Miss ya lots!

-kellie sutherland

PS. a late congratulations on your wedding and your baby boy!

Tony,
As you count down the days to your surgery we want to let you know we’re on your “support” team and are ready to be called up when needed. You have a stadium full of family and friends rooting you on and we know everything will turn out great.
We’ll be following your Heart Valve Journal to keep up with your progress. Before you know it you’ll be home recovering.
Sending love to you and Heather -
Sandy and Brenda

Tony,

Wow, hope all goes well with your surgery. We think about you whenever we're fortunate enough to see the Giantson TV or head to Wilmington to see the Blue Rocks play. Congrats on your marriage and the new little Arnerich on the way. Be strong and get back on the field soon.

Ann & Dean Williams (Philly)

Hey Tony it is Coach. Just want to wish you the best and a speedy and healthy recovery. You are one tough guy and you will win this battle as you have won so many others in the past. If you can go full steam head first into some bleachers you can definitely handle this. “ When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. Love you Coach.

Hey Tony! How 'bout those Giants!! We were even rooting for them! :) Good luck with your surgery.... I agree, bring it on and get it over with! You will rock it Tony! Stay strong.... you are in our prayers! Keep us posted! Pam & Joel Sutherland