Our time on this earth is precious. Life is a gift.

About seven years ago, Rodney was airlifted to Johns Hopkins after experiencing sudden chest discomfort, leg numbness, and excruciating pain. The culprit of his symptoms was a life-threatening tear in his aorta, the vessel that supplies blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Rodney promptly underwent a highly complex emergency surgery during which Dr. Jennifer Lawton repaired his aorta and set him on the road to recovery. 

Watch this four-minute video to learn Rodney's story!

In celebration of Rodney's 60th birthday, or simply because you're moved, please consider donating and contributing toward lifesaving research. You're invited to consider your financial treasures and give from the heart. We hope you will join us in donating to this life-giving cause!  To learn more about cardiac surgery at Johns Hopkins, visit the Heart and Vascular Institute's page.