Connective Issues Winter 2023

In addition to the skilled physicians, Molly also gives credit to the team of nurses who were instrumental in her care while at the hospital. She said their attention to detail and positivity got her through a di ffi cult and painful two weeks in ICU. Staying Active and Helping Others At 23, Molly lives her life to the fullest, pledging to live in the present and focus on activities that bring her joy. She will graduate in May from Case Western Reserve University with her master’s in developmental psychology and early intervention, and she hopes to have a career in pediatric cardiology. She currently works at an equine-assisted mental health facility helping people overcome obstacles and move toward positive growth. Making her health a top priority, Molly takes the time to monitor her cardiac fitness and send workout summaries detailing her heart rate to Dr. Zahka. And she finds ways to volunteer and spread awareness about connective tissue conditions including raising funds for the Foundation’s Cleveland Walk for Victory. “My health challenges have been a reminder that life doesn’t always go your way, but it is so helpful to make the best of what you have been given,” she said. “I’ve been through a lot, and I want to help people who are going through something similar in any way that I can.” Molly encourages others who may be in a similar situation to focus on what is known – what is directly in front of them and not to get wrapped up in the what-ifs, falling down the rabbit hole of fear and anxiety. “Break it down and take it a step at a time,” she said. “If you think about the whole picture, you can get really overwhelmed and taken away from the present. Be grounded in the present. What I know now is I’m alive, I have a great care team to take care of me, and I will get through this.”

The Marfan Foundation is honored to announce Bert Medina has been named chair-elect of its Board of Directors. He will begin his term in July 2023. Bert has been involved with the Foundation over the years as secretary of the board of directors, executive committee member, chair of the Health Equity Task Force, co-chair of the Spanish Summit, and a volunteer leader in building the Southern Florida region of The Marfan Foundation. Originally from Cuba, Bert lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and has worked in the communications industry for nearly 40 years. He currently serves as president and CEO of WPLG (ABC Miami) and was previously vice president and general manager. Bert has also held a variety of executive management positions during a 13-year tenure with Univision. He served as senior vice president and operating manager of the TeleFuturaTelevision Network, a unit of Univision Communications, where he propelled it to the number two Spanish language broadcast network. “I could not be more excited that Bert will follow in my footsteps as chair-elect of the Foundation’s Board of Directors,” said Cory Eaves, current board chair. “Bert has every quality that we could hope for in a chair. In addition, he has great enthusiasm and is totally committed to the Foundation’s success and moving our collective vision forward. I look forward to continuing to partner with Bert, our volunteers, and the members of our sta ff in serving our international community of people with genetic aortic and vascular conditions.” To learn more about the Foundation board, visit Marfan.org/about/team. The Foundation Announces Board Chair-Elect

p Molly and her cardiologist, Ken Zahka, MD

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Winter 2023