About me:

Heart Disease has affected our family profoundly. I am a Survivor, and my brother is facing a potential heart transplant. We also have friends, and members on both sides of our family who've had heart related deaths. We're helping inspire patients and families going through the same thing, and looking to spread awareness and fundraise for heart charities.

In April of 2009 I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm, the same condition that killed the actor John Ritter. I was 37 years old and otherwise in perfect health. I was lean, athletic, and in better shape than most people half my age. I never would have thought in a million years that I would soon be laying on an operating table, cut open like a rack of lamb with a stranger holding pieces of my beating heart and soul in his hands; while my wife and two young children pondered the uncertainties of life. I survived thanks to Doctors Mark Singer and Kenneth Walsh who found and diagnosed the aneurysm, and to Dr. Allan Stewart, the best heart surgeon in the country. A year later I ran in the 2010 NYC Marathon (my first ever) with my wife, and my surgeon. Doing this on the one year anniversary of my open heart surgery was my way of kicking sand in the face of aortic disease, and helping increase awareness to prevent deaths like that of John Ritter. I published a book about my experience called "Barefoot in November". 

About the Team:

Team Heartosaurus for the American Heart Association

The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all they do. The need for their work is beyond question.

Heartosaurus: noun [heart-o-sau-rus] 1. An inspiring online reference for open heart surgery patients. 2. A heart patient with an inextinguishable desire not merely to survive, but to live life to its fullest. 3. A doctor, caregiver, or anyone who makes a profound difference to the cause.

Team Heartosaurus is a global network of individuals collectively driven to increase awareness of the many aspects of heart disease, and who embody a "live life to it's fullest" attitude. They are fighters, and pillars of strength and always looking for patients, doctors, family members and others who share this common bond, to join the team. Team members compete in runs. triathlons, cycling, and marathons. Others simply sport the iconic jerseys as a sign of their belonging. You don't have to be an athlete to be on the team, you just need to be a Heartosaurus.

Team Heartosaurus is made up of people with inspiring, bittersweet stories. Once again we are coming together to embark on the NYC Marathon. As we knock down each mile, we will carry the spirit of loved ones who've passed, inspiring other patients, and honoring the doctors and nurses who cared for us. 

Be a Heartosaurus and make a donation in memory of someone you love who has been affected by heart disease. Your donation will go to the American Heart Association and we'll be honoring you on race day. If you want to get more involved you can also join our team and become a fundraiser even if you're not running!

Thank you for your love and support. We're all living a story, and we'd like you to be part of ours. We're all about living life to it's fullest, helping others, and returning Karma. -- Pass it on!