Tammi Verkler

I am a MKBC blood drive coordinator and blood donor.

In October 2019 I was hosting a Health Fair and blood drive. I slowed down long enough to donate blood. During screening the staff detected an irregular pulse. Concerned, she called the M-KBC Medical Director, Dr. Kip Kuttner. He allowed me to donate, but he stressed that I needed follow-up with my Family Doctor. So, I did.

My family Doctor ordered a Heart CT Calcium Score due to my strong family history of heart disease and high cholesterol. I didn’t go for Heart CT Calcium Score for another two years.

January 8, 2021 is the day that changed my life…forever.  My Doctor told me to stop working out immediately, and he talked about multiple blockages. He told me to see my cardiologist ASAP.

I did have the echocardiogram stress test done, which showed that my heart walls looked good and my heart was functioning as it should.  I had an x-ray of the upper lobes of my lungs to rule out any abnormalities and all looked good.

Now I know that work is work, it is not your life. Be thankful for every day you get to share with family and friends.  From the bottom of my HEART…I want to THANK my family, friends, co-workers, and doctors.

I will be forever grateful to the MKBC staff for their concern.There are many reasons for giving blood…getting the screening “physical” saved my life.