Rising Up to the Challenge of Our Rival
An original abstract acrylic painting
18” x 24” canvas and framed
We can despair that rose bushes have thorns,
or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses.
-Abraham Lincoln
I am a
Heart Disease Survivor. On December 4, 2009, at 34 years old, I was admitted
into the hospital for my 2nd heart surgery. It was quite an ordeal...
But,
because of ongoing cardiac medical research, I was able to have the opportunity
to play with my little boy again without fear of passing out from an abnormally
fast heart rate or fear of going into cardiac arrest.
The
procedure and recovery were tough. I was in the ICU for several days. I had a
tube sticking out of my chest to help drain the fluid that was collecting
around my heart. I was in extreme pain. The surgery was considered successful,
but my heart still has issues and requires frequent monitoring.
My fight is
not over. Although I have endured many cuts and scrapes from sharp “thorns,” I
choose to rejoice because of the roses among the thorns.
Family and
friends are my roses. I also have loved ones who suffer with or have died due
to heart disease. I have sincere respect for others facing their own thorns.
Heart disease may be a silent killer, but its effects are not silent. Many of
you may have a loved one with heart disease, have lost a loved one from heart
disease, or has a friend who is a heart disease survivor, or... you may be a
survivor yourself.
I painted “Rising
Up to the Challenge of Our Rival” as a tribute to my father, Carmelino, who is
also a heart disease survivor. He has had heart failure for almost 10 years. During
that time, he has overcome open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve plus
many other procedures to aide in sustaining his life. I painted this piece in
honor of him and to all those affected with and by heart disease. Thank you for
your support in helping to raise funds for lifesaving heart research. It means A LOT!
With a
Grateful Heart,
Joanne “JoJo” Herda
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