Back in 2003, if not playing tennis, I usually went on a morning walk. One memorable morning, after walking only a few blocks, I began to experience a pressure or tightness in my chest (no pain) and returned home. Later that same day, after a thorough examination by Dr. Franklin Zalman, cardiologist, Del Mar, CA, Dr. Zalman, aka "Dr. Z, performed emergency heart surgery (angioplasty) at Scripps Hospital, La Jolla, and implanted several non-medicated stints inside an artery identified as causing the heart problem. The surgery took only about an hour and a half and was relatively painless, although not without a little stress as I was awake during the entire procedure. My prayers as I recall were meaningful and memorable as prepared to meet my Maker. Later while in the hospital I began reading Dallas Willard's Renovation of the Heart. It seemed that my heart was being renovated from the inside out. After about a month being out of action and not playing any tennis, I celebrated by buying a new tennis racket and resumed normal activities. .God is good!

Between June 2003 and May 2006, I had three more heart procedures and a number of additional medicated stints (exact number unknown) were implanted. I continued to play tennis and instead of buying any more tennis rackets I celebrated by taking my first tennis lesson (s) ever and learned to hit a tennis ball with top-spin. .Life is good!

Dr. Z introduced me to the Cardiovascular Disease Foundation (CVDF), his foundation, and to the very capable, caring and charismatic Malinda Engerer, the Executive Director. I welcomed the opportunity to volunteer at CVDF. Initially I assisted at several health fairs and screenings. Nothing too heavy, I honed my skills with the blood pressure cuff and learned the value of reading blood pressure. One of the real joys and benefits of volunteering with the CVDF was attending Dr. Z's educational lectures and slide presentations about heart disease and prevention held at various venues including care facilities. Not only were Dr. Z's lectures a gentle reminder for proper diet and exercise, but I benefited from the question and answer sessions from other heart and stroke patients. In my opinion, Dr. Z is at his best when answering specific medical Q & A. He was articulate, informative and demonstrated his care and concern for patients who were in less generous health care programs and/or HMO's. .God is love!

In February 2006 and 2007, I assisted along with many other volunteers with the "Walk for Life" annual fundraiser for CVDF held at Magee Park in Carlsbad. Prior to this event, flyers and forms were passed out at various stores and businesses in the north county & beach areas. This annual event focuses on health, awareness and prevention of heart disease. Information and materials were made available to the public from various vendors regarding proper nutrition, facts about heart disease and its prevention. .Life is a special gift!

My diet was somewhat restricted after August 11, 1998, when I climbed Mt. Whitney and discovered that I suffered with the gout. No more red meat for me. My diet has been consciously altered through my contact with CVDF to include better choices for healthy heart. Less fat of course. I exercise, play tennis and monitor my cholesterol and blood pressure levels. My prayer life has improved somewhat as I now show up more regularly. So far, so good - no more gout attacks and no more heart surgeries. .Life is all about love!

The CVDF has continued to grow its presence and expand its influence in the San Diego community. The growth is reflected in its new offices and the addition of Tamara Urie, Program Director/Events Coordinator. With Tamara and more volunteers, I no longer have to work as hard at volunteering with CVDF. There is more time to meditate and possibly try yoga. .Tennis too is about love!

"Tennis is not a matter of life and death. It is more important than that!"