I was born and raised in Vermillion, SD and from the beginning my life was affected by heart disease. I was born with a congenital heart defect and was lucky enough to be born in the right time and place to have great doctors to repair the defect. When I met Andy and found out about the Dave Browne Ride, I knew that this was something that I had to be involved with.
My career path has also been touched by those with heart disease, first as a nurse at UW in the cardiothoracic ICU taking care of those who have had surgery on their heart and lungs, and now as an Organ Procurement Coordinator. I love my job of working with organ donor families and helping to give a second chance to those waiting for organ transplants.
My heart surgery hasn’t slowed me down at all - while I may not be known as the most coordinated person in the world; I did compete in Cross Country and Track while in college at Simpson College. When I’m not busy with work I spend my time running, biking, and learning to swim as I am training for the 2007 Ironman Wisconsin. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and thoroughly grossing them out with my experiences as a nurse.
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