American Heart Month has brought so much awareness, support, and inspiration, not only at Oxford Athletic Club, but around the world. Focusing on cardiovascular health helps fight against heart disease and elevates overall health. We’re so excited to feature Mary Jo, who has been a member since the summer of 2023. Her story is nothing short of inspirational and encouraging. She shows how to face fear head on and come out on the other side so much stronger.

A heart murmur was discovered through one of Mary Jo’s heart valves and was watched with precaution, but nothing had come of it for many years. A murmur is a blowing or raspy sound heard during a heartbeat. The sound is caused by rough blood flow through the heart valves or near the heart.

In 2003, Mary Jo’s doctor discovered a benign brain tumor on her brain stem, affecting her motor skills. She went under extensive surgery and fortunately the tumor was completely removed, and Mary Jo could get back to life as she knew it before. With a change in perspective, she prioritized a healthier lifestyle and lost one hundred pounds. Fast forward to 2019, Mary Jo’s cardiologist couldn’t approve her second knee surgery, though her first was smooth sailing. He gave her the unfortunate news that she would need to undergo open heart surgery due to a bicuspid aortic valve problem. Bicuspid valves can eventually leak and/or narrow. Once this happens, the heart is working harder to pump blood to the body and can lead to heart failure. Though Mary Jo was faced with fear, she persevered and scheduled the surgery as soon as possible.

Mary Jo fully recovered and was able to have her second knee replacement in 2022. She knew it was important to stay active and so began her search for a fitness and wellness community. She found Oxford Athletic Club and fell in love with the Aquatics class, which she does 6 days a week, and Trip. Mary Jo said, “Oxford really helps to make the journey easier and fun. I love all the instructors, they’re very encouraging and helpful.”

We asked Mary Jo what her best advice is for someone who is beginning their heart health journey and she said, “Take it slow. Don’t be disgusted if something feels hard and don’t feel uneasy going in. Everybody’s the same, nobody cares what anyone else looks like. Trust yourself. Give yourself time, you don’t get into the best shape in a day. The reward is great, you feel strong.” She feels that with the support of her loving husband and the community at Oxford, her journey is to continue this way.

As Mary Jo’s journey has continued, her perspective on health, fitness, and life in general has changed drastically. She hopes that her story will inspire others to get up and make changes as well. She said, “Don’t be afraid of the challenge, you’ll feel better and feel good about yourself. I want to keep going and get stronger every day, new classes and new friends.”

Visit Oxford Athletic Club’s YouTube to watch the full video of Mary Jo’s journey and be sure to check our social platforms throughout the month for more inspiration and testimonies.