A beloved television host and model, Rachel McCord faces a daunting battle ahead.

She has been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and is scheduled for urgent open heart surgery on February 27.

Rachel McCord's journey with heart issues began six years ago, marked by troubling symptoms like fainting, breathlessness, and overwhelming fatigue. These symptoms severely impacted her daily activities and her ability to be fully present with her young son. Despite numerous tests, a correct diagnosis eluded her until recently.

A Long Road Toward Diagnosis

On December 20, through a transesophageal echocardiogram, doctors finally pinpointed her condition as mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a degenerative heart disease that has been the source of her suffering.

Rachel described the disorder's impact on her life, saying, "I have mitral valve prolapse and it causes regurgitation, which means the valves in your heart that are supposed to be one way [face the wrong direction]."

Rachel's condition involves a complex surgical procedure scheduled for February 27, where surgeons will open her chest, stop her heart, and rely on a heart-lung machine to sustain her life during the operation. This daunting prospect has been a source of understandable anxiety and fear for Rachel and her family.

Strength in Family and Faith

With a recovery period stretching up to three months, Rachel and her family face a challenging road ahead. The very possibility of heart failure if the organ does not resume normal function post-surgery adds a layer of fear to the ordeal.

Throughout this journey, Rachel has drawn strength from her family, her faith, and the precious moments she spent with her son and husband. She shares a heart-wrenching perspective on facing such a crucial surgery, expressing both her fear and her resolve.

I'm riding the waves of just bursting into tears, thinking about what the surgery is like. It's technically open-heart surgery. So you know, your heart isn't beating, it's on a machine. They have to kind of like jump it back. And it's scary stuff.

Rachel's narrative goes beyond the personal, touching on broader themes of resilience, faith, and the will to fight adversity. Her story is not just about a medical condition; it's a testament to her strength in facing life's most daunting challenges.

Challenges Transcend the Operating Room

Rachel's condition restricted her in more ways than one. The symptoms of MVP made simple tasks demanding and posed risks in everyday situations, such as driving on highways, due to the potential for fainting spells.

Despite the looming surgery and its risks, Rachel finds solace in her role as a mother, cherishing every moment with her son. She draws parallels between her upcoming surgery and her son's past surgical experience with tonsil removal, framing it in a context he can understand.

Rachel's case underlines the importance of perseverance, the support of loved ones, and the profound impact of faith during the most trying times. She closes her reflections with a powerful message of hope, resilience, and the potential to aid others through shared experiences.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. The importance of perseverance in seeking a diagnosis. For years, Rachel faced undiagnosed symptoms; her story emphasizes the need for persistent advocacy for one’s health.
2. The critical role of family and faith. Rachel’s battle with MVP demonstrates how essential a supportive network and personal beliefs can be during health crises.
3. Preparing for post-surgery recovery is as crucial as the surgery itself. Rachel’s planned three-month recovery period highlights the need for a support system and a detailed care plan.

Why this story matters

Rachel McCord's ordeal sheds light on the oft-hidden struggles that individuals face with debilitating conditions such as MVP. Her story reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of timely medical intervention.

It also highlights the significance of perseverance, the value of a strong support system, and the critical role of faith for many in navigating life's uncertainties. Rachel's journey underscores the power of personal narratives to inspire, educate, and foster a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between health, family, and inner strength.

• Rachel McCord faces urgent open heart surgery due to mitral valve prolapse.
• Symptoms like fainting and breathlessness severely impacted her life for years before the correct diagnosis.
• The diagnosis came through a transesophageal echocardiogram after years of suffering.