Heart disease, or stroke, claims the
lives of more than 72,000 Canadian
men and women every year
Bev Travis in her Port Perry home with family photos
We each have our motivations in supporting the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s humanitarian work, but Port Perry’s Bev Travis has more – and deeper – reasons than most.
On one hand, Bev owes her continued quality of life to the Foundation’s research. On a tragic note, heart disease has claimed several members of her family.
Twenty-one years ago, Bev came face to face with a life-changing event.
“I was curling, which I did regularly, but found I didn’t have the energy to sweep,” she recalled. “Coincidentally, I was headed to the hospital that afternoon, so my partner suggested I get myself checked out while I was there. I wound up staying in hospital for five days.”
The hospital tracked Bev’s wildly fluctuating heartbeat from 40 to 205 beats per minute. A cardiologist diagnosed a heart valve defect. Medication temporarily stabilized the first condition, but surgery was needed to repair the second.
“I felt alright after the operation, but had no energy,” Bev said. “I’d do something trivial, like grocery shopping, then need someone else to bring them in once I came home.”
Four years later, it was obvious a more permanent solution was required.
“I started passing out because my heart rate was so low. They installed a temporary pacemaker and eventually a permanent one. That helped with my energy level.”
In 2002, Bev underwent valve-replacement surgery. The mechanical valve again increased her quality of life.
“I’m limited with heavy work,” she admitted. “But I exercise and make sure I eat right.”
Throughout her personal ordeal, Bev discovered she shared a terrifying family trait. Years earlier, her father had died of a heart attack, but now Bev’s siblings began to succumb to various forms of heart disease.
“I lost my brother, Peter, a few years ago to a heart attack, and my sister died on the operating table last month during open-heart surgery. Only an emergency bypass saved (my brother) Keith’s life after a heart attack in 2001. Guess we have bad genes.”
Bev takes in stride the certainty that she shares those genetic deficiencies. “That initial diagnosis (in 1988) caused me to re-
evaluate what’s important in life,” she began thoughtfully. “I vowed to enjoy every day.”
Two grown sons, Dean and David, occupy the centre of her universe along with other family members. “I consider myself very fortunate,” Bev continued. “Think about patients with illnesses which can’t be fixed. But thanks to the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s help, I live a very full life.”
That “full life” includes regular walking, yoga, and volunteer work with Operation Scugog. And of course time enjoying her family.
Bev’s continued good health and grounded philosophy ensures she’ll continue to be one of the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s most ardent supporters.
“They’re leaps and bounds ahead from the days of my early surgeries,” she said. “But without those developments, where would I be now…?” She pauses, smiles, then continues.
“I have Heart & Stroke to thank for some amazing technologies they’ve been able to provide for me over the years. Guess you could say I’m kinda bionic!”
By Scott Mercer
Focus on Scugog
Personalities
