Remember to Celebrate

By Courtney Jensen

It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years, but reflecting back so much has happened in this time! My name is Courtney and I was diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz shortly after it was first discovered. Rewind back to 2005, I had been living without a clear diagnosis now for 10 years. So any and all answers were very welcome at this point. When the dots were finally connected it was a relief to have an answer to this puzzle that for the first time made perfect sense.

Since 2005, my care has been coordinated with the recommended annual screening and interventions. The management guidelines, research, and publications supported by the ongoing efforts of the LDSF has continued to be a steadfast resource. Aside from the medical journey I have been quite busy in life’s other adventures as well.

This year we had extra to celebrate, as my husband and I took the leap on February 29th! In recent years I graduated with my masters degree and entered the medical field as a pediatric genetic counselor (I want to be as cool as Gretchen when I grow up)! So although 2020 may be filled with its challenges let’s remember to celebrate as well. Celebrate the discovery of LDS and continue supporting the ground breaking and necessary work of the LDSF. Take heart!

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