by Jeffrey Berger, MD
Photos courtesy of Jeff and Brian Berger.
On April 8, 2018, I had a heart attack.
I was at the gym that morning, a place I went to regularly, doing what I thought were all the right things. I ate well, I exercised and I had no reason to expect anything like this. As a physician myself, I understood the risk factors better than most people. And still, it happened to me. That’s the lesson I’ve carried ever since: Heart disease doesn’t check your resume first.
I was rushed to the hospital, and after five stents and a few days of recovery, I was able to go home to my family. My son Brian was 11 years old at the time. He didn’t fully understand what was happening in the moment, but I watched him spend the following months asking questions, reading and trying to make sense of it in his own way.
That fall, Brian started a team at the Long Island Heart Walk in my honor, “Dad’s Heart.” What began as one kid trying to process something scary has grown into a team that has raised more than $150,000 for the American Heart Association. Every year at the walk, I’m reminded that we are far from alone. There is an entire community of survivors, families and caregivers walking beside us.
Last year, on Father’s Day, Brian’s children’s picture book about our story was published. Watching my own experience become something that might help another family recognize the warning signs or feel less alone, has been one of the proudest moments of my life. For me, seeing Brian turn my experience into a way to raise awareness about heart disease has only strengthened my determination to live a longer, healthier life and be there for him and my family.
We’re grateful for everyone who has walked with us, and we can’t wait to see you all again this year.
To learn more about the Long Island Heart Walk, visit www.longislandheartwalk.org.
N.B. Jeffrey Berger is a physician, heart attack survivor and this year’s Long Island Heart Walk featured survivor.