David Mitre

Aortic Valve Repair 

It's hard for 30-year-old David Mitre to believe it really happened. Less than a year ago, he struggled with shortness of breath, fatigue, and leg swelling - all signs of heart failure, but today he is playing ball with kids.

David is on a new journey in life thanks to the care he received in 2013 from the cardiac team at Kaweah Health Medical Center. It's the only medical center between Fresno and Bakersfield to offer full-scale cardiac care for patients before, during and after surgery.

While lying in his hospital bed recovering from an aortic valve repair, Mitre said it became clear to him he would have to live his life differently.

"I had to ask myself questions about my health to be sure I would prevent another procedure in my future. Even though I felt pain, I couldn't just like there," he said.

After several weeks of therapy in the rehabilitation hospital, Mitre found himself strong enough to pursue his education at San Joaquin Valley College. His dream? To earn a master's degree in business.

"It's been a blessing and a great change," he said of his health. "I am on a road that isn't easy but it can be done."