Latest news with #Aortic
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
VA Secretary Collins: Michigan veterans' health care is changing lives
Last month, I sat down with veterans, frontline staff and community leaders in Battle Creek and Ann Arbor, Michigan, on a recent visit to local Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. They outlined how VA is delivering unique and specialized care, tackling challenges and breaking barriers to best serve our veterans and their families in Michigan. At the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, I witnessed firsthand the facility's commitment to innovative treatments with the opening of a new ketamine clinic, enhancing our approach to PTSD, depression and substance use disorders. I also toured the outpatient mental health programs and met with veterans in our Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program. Led by Dr. Rogelio Rodriguez, the clinic follows a recovery-centered model. There, I met veterans who courageously shared their paths to healing and how efforts at the Battle Creek VA saved their lives. Over at the Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, teams are providing some of the most advanced specialty care in the country. It's the only facility in the state with an interventional cardiology program and the only one offering Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement — a minimally invasive, life-saving procedure for Veterans with heart disease. This is high-quality, high-tech and veteran-centered care. More from Freep Opinion: Detroit property values are rising ― and rental rates are going up I also spent time learning how our teams are comprehensively tackling two of the most urgent challenges we face: preventing veteran homelessness and suicide. In Ann Arbor, the Homeless Veterans Program is helping more than 2,400 veterans across southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio. It's a team-based approach that coordinates efforts among the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program housing vouchers, VA case management and Supportive Services for Veteran Families. Through this holistic approach, low-income veterans can maintain housing or quickly find shelter. They've also launched Michigan's first Veterans Response Team, which connects veterans in crisis to housing and services on the spot. That's the kind of impact we're working to deliver every day. Meanwhile, Ann Arbor is setting the bar for suicide prevention. More than 1,000 veterans at elevated risk for suicide are being closely monitored through the REACH VET Dashboard. Dozens of outreach events have already taken place this year and staff are trained in VA S.A.V.E. — an evidence-based program that teaches how to identify warning signs and connect Veterans to help. It's tough, emotional work — but it's saving lives. That kind of success doesn't just happen — it's the result of teamwork, trust and a shared commitment to do what's right for those who've served from Detroit to Muskegon and Ann Arbor to Kalamazoo. More from Freep Opinion: My autistic son is a gift to the world. RFK Jr. doesn't get it. While this great work continues, there is more work to be done. We're continuing to push for smarter ways to serve veterans. While the VA's budget and number of employees have grown over the years, its wait times and claims backlog had increased. Therefore, we're reforming the VA to eliminate the waste and bureaucracy that have gotten in the way of veteran care for years — problems no one has attempted to fix until now. As part of this effort, we're going to maintain the VA's mission-essential jobs like doctors, nurses and claims processors, while phasing out non-mission essential roles like interior designers and DEI officers. The savings we achieve will be redirected to veteran health care and benefits. One of the biggest upgrades on the horizon is the accelerated rollout of the VA's new electronic health record. The system will go live next year at 13 VA medical facilities, including four in Michigan — Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit and Saginaw. This will give veterans in Michigan and around the country a single, consistent record that follows them from their military service through the remainder of their lives. It'll streamline coordination with the Department of Defense and improve care across the VA and with community providers. Under President Donald Trump, the VA is working to increase productivity, eliminate waste and bureaucracy, increase efficiency, and improve health care and benefits to veterans. Our work continues because veterans in Michigan and across the nation deserve nothing less than continuous improvement. Doug Collins (@SecVetAffairs) is the 12th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If you are veteran who needs VA assistance, please call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411). Submit a letter to the editor at and we may publish it online and in print. If you have a differing view from a letter writer, please feel free to submit a letter of your own in response. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: VA secretary: Here's how we're changing veterans health care | Opinion
Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jess Wright's 'world ended' over toddler son's life-threatening heart defect
Jessica Wright says she felt like the world 'ended' and recalls not being able to move when she was told of her 2-year-old son Presley's life-threatening heart condition. Jessica Wright and her husband William Lee-Kemp felt like the stars had aligned w hen they became parents to their beautiful baby boy Presley in May 2022, with Jessica describing her newborn as 'everything and more'. Sadly, their joy turned to heartache less than two years later when they discovered that Presley was suffering from a rare heart condition which will require him to undergo open heart surgery. 'The world just stopped moving for me,' says Jessica, recalling the devastating moment she was told Presley has a Bicuspid Aortic Valve, a congenital heart disease which affects one per cent of people. Sitting down for an exclusive interview with OK! – just days ahead of hosting her first Have A Heart Gala, to raise money for children's cardiac and respiratory care charity The Brompton Fountain – it's clear the last 12 months have taken their toll. READ MORE: Cat Deeley gives occasionwear inspiration in 'tummy-flattering' dress that's perfect for weddings 'It's been tough,' she says, before talking us through Presley's devastating diagnosis. 'Just before his second birthday, we took him for a routine appointment about what we thought was a chest infection and the doctors said they had found a heart murmur. They said it was likely to be nothing to worry about, and common in a lot of children, but to get it checked anyway.' Jessica continues that around a month later, in a follow up appointment, their worst fears were confirmed. 'We just sat there and you could see from the doctor's face that he was about to tell us something really big and life-changing. 'I just dreaded what was going to come out of his mouth, and then, lo and behold, the words 'open heart surgery' came out. It was extremely tough and something that we're still taking our time to get over and used to - I'm not sure we ever will. I just remember sitting in between my mum and my husband and thinking, 'I'm going to fall on the floor'. I couldn't even kind of hold myself up.' The thought of open heart surgery is every parent's worst nightmare, and something Jessica, 39, admits is still tough for her to talk about. While the family have been told by doctors that the surgery - which will replace valves in Presley's heart - will be necessary, Jessica says it's a waiting game to find out when the operation will be. Presley's condition, a Bicuspid Aortic Valve, means that his aortic valve, which regulates blood flow, has only two leaflets instead of the three regular hearts have. Left untreated, it can lead to complications such as heart failure and infection. 'It's a case of waiting until the point where we know that his heart valves need to be replaced,' says Jessica. 'So, essentially, it can happen at any moment. "We've been told that we'll be lucky if he gets to the age of 10 without needing it, which was the biggest blow for us, because some people can get to their 50s and not have one until then. But with Presley, because of where his heart is at the minute, he has to have it sooner,' she says, with a heavy sigh. This news means that the family are constantly on edge, something which Jessica says has caused her to panic at the first sign of illness in Presley, who turns three next month. 'We have to hope and pray that the surgery is closer to 10 than his current age, because if it's earlier, he has to have it replaced again a few years later. If it's later, the replacement can last longer because they can put one in that's big enough.' Jessica continues, 'It's always at the back of our minds and every fever he gets, every breath he takes wrong, whatever it might be, you panic. But it is what it is.' Presley is currently having check-ups every 12 weeks, which sees him undergo scans and an ECG on his heart to ensure he doesn't yet need the surgery. 'We supply him with lollipops or a dairy-free cupcake during it,' laughs Jessica, as she discusses her attempts to distract Presley during the appointments." And while the family are now accustomed to regular medical appointments, she admits it's still no easier. 'He doesn't love it, but it's almost like he gets it now. We just brace ourselves every time we go and hope to God that our doctor says, 'At the minute, we're OK'. I wish I could take it away from him and for me to have it instead. But he's a strong little boy.' Echoing Jessica's sentiments, William says, 'The week before we go for the check up is when we start worrying, then after the check up, we can breathe again and it's a relief that everything is OK. Then it's like back to the beginning before the next appointment, so it's a constant worry up and down.' Jessica and business owner William, who tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in Majorca back in 2021, could never have imagined the challenging times that lay ahead when they became parents. But as we chat, the TV star praises William for his constant support. 'We are really supportive of each other. I definitely break down a lot more than Will, but I feel like that's because women generally tend to be slightly more emotional. It's been a huge blow to us both. To be honest, we can barely say the words out loud without... I don't know. We don't really like talking about it, but then sometimes I just feel like I have to and it's like the elephant in the room. We're still coming to terms with it,' she admits after a pause. William, who Jessica describes as the 'best daddy' to Presley, confirms, 'We really lean on each other and support each other, of course we do.' Jessica lights up again when she talks about Presley, telling us he's a complete 'showman' – something which perhaps doesn't come as a surprise given his famous family. 'He's just the most incredible little boy and he's got so much character,' beams Jessica. 'He's really, really funny, and he doesn't stop doing funny little things. He's a complete actor, he's definitely gonna be on the stage, I think. If there's music or a microphone, he's up there grabbing it and putting on a show. Presley is a really sweet boy as well, very sensitive, very caring and just sweet.' Clearly loving parenthood, would Jessica and William be open to having any more children? 'Possibly. It's been a tough road so far this time, but maybe, we'll see,' she says. In the meantime, Presley has plenty of cousins to play with in Jessica's tight-knit family. Jessica's younger brother, Ebbsfleet United footballer Josh also has two sons; Josh. Jr and Dustin. While her brother Mark and his wife Michelle Keegan welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Palma, in March. 'Presley is so close to his cousins Josh and Dustin, and, obviously, now we've got Palma who is going to fit right in. She's adorable! They all absolutely love spending time with each other and Palma is an angel. She's adorable, beautiful and so sweet. The boys love her and are very gentle with her,' says Jessica, adding that she was 'excited' to become an auntie again. And has she been on hand to give Mark and Michelle parenthood advice? Assuring us he's a natural, she says, 'It's lovely seeing [Mark and Michelle] as parents, I knew they would be incredible parents and they are. We're always with each other anyway and we tell each other little bits, so there's always room to help each other out when you have babies. It's all such new territory.' Considering how close Jessica is to her family, it's no surprise that many of the Wright clan, including her parents Carol and 'Big' Mark and younger sister Natalya, joined her and William last Thursday night for Jessica's Have A Heart gala. And showing it's not only been an emotional time for Jessica, but for the whole family, brother Mark got teary as he took to the stage to give a heartfelt speech. After watching a short film, featuring Presley, about the work The Brompton Fountain do, Mark was left understandably emotional. 'When it's that close to home, it just…sorry, it just hurts,' said Mark as he struggled to get through the sentence. 'Although I don't tell her often, my sister is an extraordinary woman. I am biased, of course, but I think we can all agree that her and her husband Will's strength, honesty and the love they show their son is nothing short of remarkable. 'And to my nephew, you're the bravest little boy I know,' continued the new dad, turning his back on the stage to keep the emotions at bay, with the room - including wife Michelle - cheering him. Explaining the inspiration behind the event at The Savoy hotel in London, which saw famous faces including Gemma Collins, Pete Wicks and Vicky Pattison in attendance, Jessica says, 'The minute that we found out about Presley's heart condition, I wanted to do something to help the charity that supports the hospital that he's at." She added: "The Brompton Fountain is a really, really small charity, so it just felt right for me to use my platform as much as I can and do everything I can. This kind of event is really impactful and it raises awareness, it's something we want to do every year.' Jessica has plenty of support behind her too, as Pete Wicks tells us during the gala that he couldn't be more proud of his former co-star and friend. 'What Jess is doing tonight is amazing and what she's doing for this charity is amazing. We've been friends for over a decade now, which is a long time! But she's one of the good ones, I always knew she'd be an amazing mum, even before she had Presley.' Alongside Pete sat James Argent, who has been a longtime friend of the family and said he 'wouldn't miss' the event for the world. While Britain's Got Talent star Sydnie Christmas, who gave a stunning performance, said she was 'honoured' to be invited along by Jessica. Amid all the glamour of the evening, exclusively covered by OK!, Jessica - who looked stunning in a white gown - delivered an emotional and heartfelt speech, something she admitted to feeling 'nervous' about beforehand. 'It's a lot of pressure - I've never done something like this before apart from my wedding, and we actually had 100 fewer people at our wedding! It's very personal to us and talking about something so personal to us is going to be really tough. But I want to get the message across and do the best I can for the evening.' While undoubtedly difficult, Jessica spoke beautifully as she addressed the room and thanked the charity for their unwavering support - giving a special thanks to The Brompton Fountain's Chief Executive, Trudy Nickels. Despite it being a tough topic to talk about so openly, Jessica says her goal is to keep raising awareness of the condition and to the charities who can support families. She admits that speaking publicly about Presley's health has saved her mind from spiralling, explaining, 'When we found out, I was almost desperate to talk about it on social media because I wanted to hear other people's stories and I wanted to know how common this is and how we were going to get through it. But I needed to come to terms with it in my head before I did that because I knew it'd be very overwhelming. 'But then I did reach out - I think it was about 3 months after he was diagnosed - and the reaction I got was just crazy. I've had thousands and thousands of messages about it from warrior parents welcoming me to the heart community and sending me messages of support and hearing about children who have been through it at a lot younger age than Presley. It's been amazing. When I started realising it was something that does happen to other people it makes you feel like you're not alone. It made me realise that, ultimately, please God, he will be OK.'
