Karen’s Inspiring Story Part 2-Life With Marfan’s

Karen’s Inspiring Story

Life With Marfan’s

Part 2

I was so very appreciative that I finally got to experience it.  Tree branches were no longer just green colored arms sticking out of a tree; they were suddenly branches that had beautiful vibrant individual green leaves on them.  Flowering plants weren’t just a blob of color anymore; they were a beautiful living creation from God, with their own blooms and leaves, and little bugs that crawl on their petals.

Want know what Karen is referring to?  Read the beginning of Karen’s story here.

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Real Life Stories #3-Marfan Journey

Jennifer’s Journey

My Name is Jennifer Cross

I was born in Springfield Illinois on October 1st 1972 ( I accept birthday gifts all year =) )

I am the middle monster of 3 kids.  My brother Jeff is 47 (Marfan’s and valve replacement at 32 like my dad and ticks) and my sister Jeanine is 41 has Marfan’s and no surgeries (we are polish twins ) Most of my childhood was spent outdoors…even more when we moved to Clearwater, Florida in 1980 following my father’s valve replacement at the age of 32.  My dad was 6’4 handsome, fun, and always loved being outside so moving to Florida was ideal since shoveling snow was not a great idea for him.

I remember sitting at the dinner table, hearing a “tick” on some nights and on others nothing.  That was the sound my dad’s heart made after his surgery.  My family didn’t discuss such things as health etc.. so I just thought it made my dad even more special .

At that time little was known about what my dad had.. Marfan’s Syndrome.

I never gave it any thought..

Then I became a teenager.. Read more »