Unknowingly Jan 3 1988 I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. It wasn’t until I was 18 years old going to a local college to play baseball that for the first time required all athletes to have a EKG performed at the college. Shockingly I failed! After seeing a cardiologist and running several tests it was determined I had ascending aortic aneurysm. I immediately required open heart surgery & graft on my aorta. My life continued somewhat normal until I was 29 yrs old when I required another open heart surgery. I was slowly recuperating when unfortunately April 18, 2018 I suffered a massive ischemic stroke. I It was only 30 years old. My stroke was a result of a blood bacterial infection. (Endocarditis)
I now suffer from Aphasia and still have weakness in my right and limited use of my right hand. Since my stroke I’ve going to OT, PT & speech which I have had excellent improvement. However, the road is long and am determined to not give up and continue my journey.
2+ years ago I started a YOUTUBE channel, “”A Matter of Matt.” It’s about my life, my journey and being an inspiration to others.
Recently I was honored to have a chapter in a book along with 25 other young stroke survivors called “”Finding Yourself After Stroke”” available on Amazon.
