Pursuing Answers in Memory of Those We Have Lost - Heart Month 2021

Red Jasper

 On this first day of February, designated as Heart Month 2021, at the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation we begin by remembering those we have lost, for it is in remembering them that we are confronted by one of the most compelling reasons we exist, the persistent, tragic loss of life, too often in the young. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, we continue to lose them. We begin by remembering some young men in their 30's.

Forever 33, Almost 34, in 2020

Michael Anthony Smith was born in August, 1986. Just under a week before his 34th birthday, in August 2020, he passed away in a health center in Gainesville, Florida. 

Michael's memorial page, including a video tribute, are located here. 

Those who visit the link above and watch the video will recognize a strong, active, vibrant young man. There are no words to adequately convey the tragedy of his loss, the pain and emptiness of those love him.  

Forever 33 in 2004, Forever 34 in 2012, Forever 30 in 2013

Over the years we have heard of other young men who succumbed unexpectedly to BAV/TAD complications. Doug Grieshop turned 33 the day before his death in 2004; an autopsy revealed a ruptured aorta and an undiagnosed BAV.

Chuck Doherty was 34 that day in 2012 when he collapsed in the driveway of his home as he returned from a run; Chuck's BAV and aortic stenosis had been diagnosed, but that was insufficient to protect him from sudden death.

Chad Rogers was 30 when he failed to return from his run on Monday evening, July 22, 2013. His body was not found until Friday afternoon. Chad's BAV was known since infancy, but similar to Chuck, his physical activity had not been restricted. 

Doug Grieshop's family shared his life initially here, and there is more in this follow up, Forever 33.

Chuck Doherty is remembered here.

An account of Chad Rogers' cause of death is here.

There are others, also young, also athletic, also suddenly taken, whose families have come to us after their loss. As I type this, I remember an autopsy report sent to BAF years ago; it described the examination of a healthy young man's body. He had dropped dead while playing, if I recall the sport correctly, volleyball with his friends. The report detailed his body, healthy and normal with just one exception. The only finding was a bicuspid aortic valve; despite CPR immediately, his heart could not be restarted, his death perhaps due to an abnormal heart rhythm. 

And so we begin Heart Month 2021 remembering this group of young men, healthy appearing, athletic, vibrant, often in their 30's. 

It is approaching 17 years since Doug Grieshop died, and in the intervening years other young men in their 30's have died also. How many, we do not know. How can we see beyond their glowing, healthy appearance and identify those at risk of a deadly event (aorta, aortic valve, arrhythmia) before they are prematurely taken, leaving loved ones to go on somehow, deprived of their gifts, energy, and  many contributions to our world?

In their memory, we pursue the answers,

in February 2021, 

Creating a Climate of Hope,

~ Arlys Velebir

Bicuspid Aortic Foundation