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Team Rebecca was formed in 2003 - The year Rebecca was one of the 3 Inspirational Honorees. How She was chosen to be and Inspirational Honoree was from Melissa's hard work and determination. Please read the section on about Rebecca to read her story.

That year Rebecca was interviewed by 2 TV stations, a radio station, and she was invited to many conferences where she was the center of attention. This started out to be very difficult and nerve wracking for her as she had to not only learn to tell her story, but how to tell her story, something she never did, she tried to hide from her heart disease and wanted to just blend in. By the end of March 2003, Rebecca learned a lot about herself, she learned not to hide from her heart condition and who wants to blend in any ways. Stand out and be yourself!

Hey everyone. it's been a long time since I've updated this site. I'm sorry.

I am currently recovering from my 4th open heart surgery. This was held on December 11th at Brighams and Women Hospital in Boston. The surgery lasted 12 hours and it turns out it was the longest and hardest surgery my surgeon has done and he's preform over 1000. During my recovery I had a multiple complications from almost being intubated a second time - lucky for me my nurse was able to stop that from happening. Then after 2 weeks of recovery they found would could have a possible life threatening bleed. Thanks to a CT scan with contrast it was discovered that was not the case and no emergency surgery was required. Then 3 days later my Kidneys decided to stop working. It wasn't looking good. I blue up like a balloon and every single part of me hurt. It felt like i was on sharps for sharp broken glass, and when I says every single part of me, I mean EVERY thing was in sever pain. But I did what I was told which included walking with such swollen feet I couldn't even put crocs on, so me and my swollen feet went for a walk and each step was stepping on broken glass. Just as they were about to set me up for a dialysis port my kidneys started to wake up. They started working and the swelling started to go down, the pain started to go away. I'll never take my kidneys for granted again. OMG

So this year Team Rebecca did something different. We held the fundraiser on 2/8/25 and turned into a fundraiser / benefit. I was the receiver of the benefit to help pay for the expenses that occurred while in Boston. Let me tell you I've never felt so loved and cared for. Our friends and family are the best group of people around. We were helped in so many ways. I can never repay everyone for all they did for us. It is such a humbling experience.

Next up for this year is the heart walk and run on March 8th. I'll be on burstone road playing some music to help the walkers walk on by. Not sure if I'll be walking back to the college or not, but the team will be there.

I don't have a date yet for the fundraiser 2026, once I do, I will post it.

I wish to thank everyone that helps me raise funds for research. I'm a firm believer that if it wasn't for research and technology I would not be here today. I'm here today because of an experemental surgery in 1974 that when finished the doctors told my mom that I was cureable but maybe in time. I'm am here because Boston Children's Hospital could perform a Cardic Catherization that allowed them to see further into my heart and said they could help. I am here because I was one of the first 500 people to use a clam shell (cardio seal), I am here becasue I am now on this new medication that helps reverse the effects of Pulmonary Hypertension. I am here today because of you!

Thank you. Please stay safe, wear your mask, wash your hands.