My grandfather, James Herbert White, was the Founder and First President of Mississippi Valley State University he kept the family constantly involved with the activities that went with having an educational institution.  As a son and grandson, you would do as you were told to do.  It was easy, because my older brother and I did care and we didn’t want to disappoint.  Not saying that I didn’t make mistakes, but it is a testament to choosing to do what was expected of me.

It’s been a while since I have had to be in a meeting setting now that I am retired from the Houston county board of education.  I just wanted to teach/coach to the best of my ability.   Meetings . . . well.

Yesterday, I joined my wife at a networking luncheon meeting.  She said “you should meet the people I network with because I have told them about you and the ZUMBA party that’s coming up.”  Did I mention that I’m a coach?  So I pulled out all the things mama use to say when we attended events on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University.   I did go and enjoyed meeting some new people and even saw some familiar faces there.  Glad that I went. 

The segment for announcements, near the end of the lunch, my wife introduced me to the group.  Before I began to tell them the abbreviated story of my transplant and about the Anniversary ZUMBA Fitness & Health Fair on October 22, 2011, a former student, Courtney, stood and reminded me of why I did what I did for 32 years.  It made me feel real good and after I got myself together I started to try to talk.  Because I do care, "Chip'n Away at Heart Disease" is my passion and I am writing a book that will tell someone of preventive measures so they don't have to go through what I did.

  

I still remember many of the faces of former students (male/female) their hobbies, jersey numbers, character traits, funny stories and nicknames I might have given them.   When I see them, I will ask them about siblings or if they have followed their dreams.  I do that because I care.

Learning Lessons

Note to self:  * God hears prayers. * We are never too old to listen to someone and to learn. * My advice to you is to enjoy your parents.  * Get out there and enjoy life.   *  Meet someone new * Take a chance on the good. * Get some exercise.  * Don't worry about the wrong things.  * Know the difference in a hug and an embrace - practice often.  * Remember to have good belly laughs.  * Tell her how sexy she is until she gives you a strange look.   

This Time Last Year

Recently, I participated in a diabetes awareness fundraiser as well as the American Heart Association-Heart Walk.  This time last year, I couldn't walk across the room unassisted.  As a matter of fact, hospital records show the poor function of my heart and the life threatening condition I was in due to heart disease.


I would reminisce about helping my daughter to move into her first ever apartment since college after accepting a new job.  This had been a  missed opportunity because that was the initial hospitalization for me (June, 2010.)  I couldn't lift my head up, much less carry a box or move furniture.  I was weak, swollen and very fatigued.


October 3rd of last year, I was fighting for my life in an Atlanta hospital.  This past weekend (October 3, 2011), I was keenly aware that "today I'm eleven months old" I told my wife. We were then standing in my daughter's new apartment watching her interact with the movers and make decisions about redecorating to make this location better than the other one.  I thank God that both of us are able. . . you know what I mean?

Diabetes Awareness

Cynthia and I will be joining many others to bring an awareness to the community.   We continue to put emphasis on all health-related illnesses in hope that no one takes feeling good for granted.  In the morning, we will participate in the Juanita June Foundation 5K-1mile Walk (9/24/11).

I  had a couple conversations this week with men who are "cheating" on their insulin.  You know -- either eating something he shouldn't or waiting for a symptom before taking insulin.  Not good in either case.    They are under the impression that they have "it" under control.  I encouraged them to be diligent in maintaining healthy diets and most important is to take the medication!  It's as clear as that.   Keep up the good fight to feel better because we all deserve it.

Come out and join us.  We'd like to meet you.  REMEMBER:  If not you, it a be a friend or loved one battling this disease.  Show your support.

http://juanitajunefoundation.com/events/diabetes-awareness-5k-run1-mile-walk

Denial Changes Nothing . . .

. . . But you can :>)

a (1) : refusal to admit the truth or reality (as of a statement or charge) (2) : assertion that an allegation is false.


I remember being in denial.  At a doctor's visit, the diagnosis was given and I said, "well is there anything else doc?"  I looked him right in the eyes and felt he must be talkin' to someone else.

I had only been in the hospital once in my life because of a high school football injury.  What? Conjestive heart failure?  That's for older people isn't it?  Not me, because I don't miss work nor am I sick.  In fact, I had enough unused personal leave days to retire earlier if I wanted to.  Not me, I am a former athlete and I feel okay. Never had chest pains, but many other symptoms became evident after a while.  I am coaching/teaching students to graduate (first), to be successful, accountable and competitive athletes. 


I tried to make a positive impact even though it is hard to reach each one.  When I first started teaching, it took me four years to learn that I may not be able to reach them all.  Thought I would make a difference; change the world...you know, young man right out of college kind of thinker.


With that same passion I approached game time with strategies that parrelled life.  Be knowledgeable of the opponent, be prepared with a game plan and an alternate.  Rely on these with skills and stamina to get the job done.  Keeping in mind that the round ball bounces in every direction.  Most times we have the result we are looking for.


Giving back is the absolute motivating factor regarding heart and other health related issues.  If your church, club or organization is interested in supporting a cause an making a difference in the lives of others, please allow me to make a presentation to encourage involvement.  The ball is in your court and together we can support the significiant improvement in survival, and quality of life for advanced heart failure patients. 

You're Invited . . .

We are extending another invitation in hope your calendar will allow you to join us for the

 ANNIVERSARY ZUMBA FITNESS & HEALTH FAIR.    

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Also to help us bring awareness in the area is Fresenius Dialysis Center, the Macon Heart Institute, CVS Pharmacy, the St. Joseph's Transplant team from the St. Joseph’s Heart Failure Center, and the Regional Manager of the Northeast Georgia Heart Center expressing their support.

On Monday, 8-29, I met with approximately 20 doctors, nurses and administrators of the Macon Heart Institute who are working along with Dr. John O'Connell, Executive Director of the St. Joseph’s Heart Failure Center to start LVAD procedures by spring 2012.  So very happy to tell you about that because -- well you know this is my passion.

It is important that in Middle GA area we have the medical advances that afford individuals a better quality of life.  Right here in our own backyards.  Having the medical care provided locally adds another dimension to being able to feel better. 

I feel better knowing that there is a potential for saving lives through this technology and donor programs like LifeLink of Georgia.  https://www.donatelifegeorgia.org/  Something we can no longer take for granted.  Come see us and learn.

I Can Use Your Help

When I talk with friends, neighbors and family, they hear about my commitment to Chip’n Away at Heart Disease in my own words.  They are inspired to donate to the cause and join me in the fight against heart disease.

This morning, I spoke with someone on the phone wanting to know how he can help. He asked “what really happened to you?”  I recall saying “I don’t want anyone to have to go through what I went through.”  There.  Now I said it.  This is my goal when at speaking engagements, the grocery store or even at Lowe’s and somebody stops me.

·        To tell the story in a way that I honor the organ donor, motivate the listeners to maintain a healthy lifestyle and not be in denial regarding health issues and to bring awareness that there is help out there.

      Often I see people who don't quite know what to say about my struggle to survive.  Whether they think it is too personal or they didn't communicate with me or my family AT ALL during the ordeal and can't figure how they will be received now.  Let me tell you - there is a work that has been done on the inside.  Where you can't really see.  I am different mentally, physically, and spiritually.  You will be warmly received from the bottom of my new heart.