When my dad’s blood pressure was all over the place, and he wasn’t feeling well, his normal doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong.

They transferred him to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

That’s where a nationally recognized cardiologist identified my Dad’s heart condition. He was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).

It was one of those experiences that made me question everything I believe.

When it first happened, my family kept repeating, “What?!”, “Not Dad!”, “There’s no way.” 

We come from “strong stock.” My dad is active and healthy.

It shook us all that he had such a serious heart condition.

This isn’t supposed to happen to active and healthy people.

But the surprises didn’t end there.

I was sitting at my desk, already shaken by the news – googling the condition, trying to grasp the definition of “hyper” what? – when we got our 2nd round of bad news.

My Dad’s heart condition is considered to be genetic, so his cardiologist recommended that all his kids get tested for the anomaly.

Wait…I might have it too? 

My next thoughts were, oh thank goodness I have a health plan that will let me go anywhere I want in the US, if I need to.

I was so relieved that I wouldn’t be at the mercy of an out of network cost.

Then, my next thought, I would pay anything to make sure all was taken care of properly. 

It was at the moment I realized how valuable my health plan is. I was able to see my Dad’s doc – the best cardiologist in the nation – because even though he was out of state, he was still In-Network.

Fast forward 8 years…

My Dad has responded well to his treatment, and my siblings and I are in the clear.

At the current age of 80, he had a mild stroke 2 weeks ago and was recently released from the hospital.

In past years, he’s been through other health issues successfully. He’s a trooper, and I believe he’ll come through yet again.  After all, we come with “strong stock” right?!

But the fear of losing a loved one to a health condition never goes away.

So in the spirit of helping all those with heart conditions, my office and I are going to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

If you’d like to join us, I appreciate any donations you can contribute. 💖

Here’s the link to donate what you can.

As for health insurance, most people find out too late how good (or bad) of a health plan they have.

Fortunately for me and my clients, we are truly fortunate to have a great health plan.

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