Hi there, I’m Mary!
I’m a passionate heart disease advocate and a proud hospice survivor. My battle with severe tricuspid valve regurgitation led me to participate in a clinical study that truly changed my life. Thanks to the innovative EVOQUE valve and the brilliant medical engineers behind it, I not only graduated from hospice care—I began to thrive again.
Today, I use my platform to raise awareness about heart disease in women, sharing tips and real-life experiences on managing chronic illness, self-care, and living with purpose. My journey hasn’t been easy. Surviving hospice care, balancing motherhood, and supporting my husband through his battle with cancer have all tested my limits. But through it all, I’ve learned that life’s hardest moments often come with the greatest lessons. Whether it’s conquering hills on my daily walks, practicing self-care as a caregiver, or advocating for heart health, I am committed to helping others take charge of their health, too.
"Your health, your voice, your choice. Stand up for your right to be heard."
My Mission
I’m a firm believer in keeping it real. My mission is simple: to inspire others to find strength in their struggles, to remind them that even on the darkest days, there’s always hope.
Behind The Name
Many people know me as Mrs. Avocado, a nickname that emerged during my journey with the EVOQUE valve and the Triscend II clinical study. I had the incredible privilege of meeting the engineers who designed the EVOQUE valve, and they shared with me how they saw my story. They affectionately dubbed my file “Mrs. Avocado” because my heart is shaped like one!
I embrace this nickname because it connects me with others in a unique way. It’s become more than just a funny story—it’s a symbol of my strength, resilience, and the positivity that I carry through my journey. Avocados, like my journey, represent rebirth, wellness, and growth. Just as an avocado ripens and transforms, I’ve experienced my own personal growth and healing, and I carry that symbol proudly.