A Ticking Time Bomb...
"They told me that I was probably days, if not hours, away from a possible cardiac arrest. And I didn’t even know it. I had a healthy lifestyle, was a lifelong pescatarian and never smoked!"
Imagine living with a heart condition you didn’t even know you had, appearing the epitome of health, yet harbouring a silent assailant, a “ticking time bomb” within, poised to strike without warning.
“I’ve always been passionate, from exploring the intricate realms of ancient history to running the Brick Classicists Empire (BCE). My days were packed with the joys of unveiling the mysteries of the past and presenting them to the world.”
That was until an unsuspected condition almost claimed my life.
Liam D. Jensen is probably someone not too different from you — a friend, a colleague, or perhaps a familiar stranger. At the age of 38, he found his life hanging by a thread, on the brink, because of a condition he wasn’t even aware of.
I am hoping that after you read Liam’s story, you can help.
Here is his firsthand experience shared with a very grateful heart.
Liam's Story
It all began with unwarranted fatigue and an inexplicable increase in my heartbeat amidst preparations for International LEGO Classicism Day.
The inconspicuous symptoms, easily mistaken for the strains of the pandemic, took a turn one fateful night.
A severe pain in my chest urged an immediate visit to my general practitioner. The change in her expression upon detecting the irregular rhythms of my heart signalled the impending crisis.
I knew then and there that something was just dreadfully wrong, but I was only 38 years old!
Professor. John O’Sullivan my cardiologist, unravelled the reason for my accelerating heartbeats. A myriad of tests ensued until a CT scan unveiled the cause—a severe blockage at the beginning of my left coronary tree – often called “the widow-maker” – that called for an immediate double bypass surgery.
They told me that I was probably days, if not hours, away from a possible cardiac arrest. And I didn’t even know it. I had a healthy lifestyle, was a lifelong pescatarian and never smoked!
Looking back, I realize how close I came to the edge, and I’m now filled with immense gratitude.
“I owe my life to Professor Paul Bannon and the team at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, whose skill and dedication brought me back from the brink.
The cutting-edge research of The Baird Institute played a crucial role in my survival.
As I recovered, each step felt like putting together a puzzle, not unlike the LEGO Colosseum I built during my recovery, with every piece representing a day of regained health and hope. I am alive and well today because of the exceptional care I received, and the medical research made possible by the Baird Institute, which I am profoundly grateful for. Every heartbeat is a reminder of this gift.
Please support the work of Professor Bannon and his colleagues at the RPA and The Baird Institute.
We need your support
With your support, we can ensure that what happened to Liam becomes an exception, not the rule. Through early intervention and research, we can pull more people like Liam back from the brink of despair
