August 1, 2006


Next month is Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (TAAD) Awareness Month at the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation. I remember the time when I did not know about TAAD. Aneurysms in the brain, yes, I had heard of them. But the bulging of the aorta in the chest was something foreign to me. And I had never heard of a blood vessel tearing, which is called dissection, at all.

That all changed when I began to research the aneurysm discovered in my husband's ascending aorta. It was found about 11 years following the replacement of his native bicuspid aortic valve, which had severe stenosis and was heavily calcificied when it was removed.

I did not know that because my husband was born with a bicuspid aortic valve he was at risk of TAAD. There are other risk factors also associated with aortic disease in the chest, which are listed on the Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection page.

It seems strange to me now that I had never heard of TAAD, because I seem to encounter it everywhere I go. It is all around us, mostly unrecognized. Our goal is to bring it into the light - where its existence is recognized, and it can be accurately identified and expertly treated.

I hope you will join with us not only in September but through out the year as we work to bring greater awareness of TAAD.  Proactive screening, accurate assessment, and successful treatment are possible today, but they begin with awareness of aortic disease in the chest.

Working together to put a spotlight on TAAD,
                                              we create a climate of hope . . . .


With very best wishes to all,

Arlys Velebir

Chair, Board of Directors
Bicuspid Aortic Foundation
  

Contact Us

Bicuspid Aortic Foundation
30100 Town Center Drive, Suite O-299
Laguna Niguel, CA  92677

Telephone
Toll free in the US  (888) 310-HOPE (4673)
or
(949) 495-0027

Fax: (949) 606-0413

Email: contactus@bicuspidfoundation.com

  
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Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
All aortic aneurysm
     and dissection in the chest
For families and medical professionals,
    by families and medical professionals
Creating a climate of hope, an atmosphere of caring, and a source of information for all who are touched by thoracic aortic disease and the medical professionals who care for them.
  Creating a climate of  hope
BICUSPID  AORTIC  FOUNDATION
  We Create a Climate of Hope....
 
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Spotlight on TAAD . . . .
                                Creating a Climate of Hope