Denise Dwinnell

Age: 53, Mitral Valve Repair

"When I was a teenager I had to get checked because I kept passing out at school. I refused to take any mediation for my mitral valve condition and just lived my life knowing that I would eventually need to get it repaired. Every day I thanked God for yet another day. Then as I got older I started to have less energy and started to run out of breath very easily. I knew something wasn’t right; the time had come to schedule my heart surgery. The team at Osceola Regional was extraordinary. I feel like I have a whole new lease on life. My dad has been a tremendous support, and I found out how many friends I have and how much I am loved. I’m very focused on starting to skate with my niece again. I’ve always been a cool auntie but now I’m reenergized – so you better watch out!"