My name is Nazarena Saez, and this is my history, I was born on December 19 2001 in Knoxville TN, with a rare heart condition called Hypoplastic left heart syndrome also known as ( HLHS ). My mom found out about my condition at 5 weeks of her pregnancy. Many doctors told her that it was best to abort. After I was born I was transferred to a hospital in Atlanta, where on December 26 2001 I had my first open heart surgery called Norwood. On January 6, 2002, I had another surgery to fix my aorta and an artery. Then on February 4, 2002, I had stomach surgery to insert a G tube so that I was able to eat. On February 13 I was able to leave the hospital for the first time since I was born. At 6 months old on June 24 2002 I had my second open heart surgery called Glen. At the age of three, I had aspiration which is when a muscle from the esophagus becomes paralyzed, for me it was paralyzed for six months due to a long period of being intubated. During these six months, I was not able to drink or eat by month, all of my food and drink had to be given through a G tube. Due to the same reason that I was intubated for so long one of my vocal cords became peralized. Also at the age of one, I had eye surgery. Then on July 18, 2005, I had my third open heart surgery called Fontan.
On December 23, 2005, I had a procedure done to help my lungs receive more oxygen. In 2009 I suffered a major stroke due to malpractice which left me paralyzed and lost all my memory, it took me three years to fully recover. Two months after the stroke they had to put me in a port a cat because I needed to receive very strong medicines. After the procedure I woke up as if nothing had happened to me, I started talking, I recognized my parents, and gradually began to regain my strength in the body—affected side. The doctors never had an explanation for what happened. Then in 2013 I had my gallbladder removed, fixed a hernia, and closed my G tube whole all in one surgery. On March 12, 2023, I had a gallbladder stone removed that was left behind from when they removed my gallbladder that was full of rocks. In all, I had a total of nine Catheterization 3 before each open heart surgery. At the age of thirteen, I had a second eye surgery. I am not afraid to tell my story or show off all of my scars to the world because I want to inspire young girls that beauty does not come from the outside but from the inside. My wish is to be able to reach people, especially young people, that they are happy, and that they learn to love themselves as they are. Life is too beautiful to have problems when there aren't any. For me, life is very important and I live every day as if it were the last, without worrying about things that have a solution, live happily, giving thanks for everything you have, for one more day of life, for the affection, for not need an oxygen tank to have a better life. Don't think about what happened, it can no longer be changed and what will come will be resolved along the way.
My dream is to one day be a model and show everyone that you do not need to be perfect to be a model. I hope one day it can come true, and that my story helps people to be encouraged.

I received this at an In-Service Day at my school at which Jon Petz was a presenter. He was truly inspiring and gave me motivation and hope for a great upcoming school year!

Alicia was one of my former Sailors while we were attached to Fighter Squadron 31. Every year I embark on a two week motorcycle trip around the country to visit with Sailors that I had the honor and pleasure of serving with and those that had worked for me and helped me along my 30 year career in the U.S. Navy. Alicia reached out and asked if I would be riding through OH this year (June), and I said I would. Alicia asked me if I could ride through Madison, and I said absolutely. Alicia and I met up for lunch, and did a data dump of each others lives for the past 22 years since we had last seen one another. I was deeply touched and humbled by her graciousness and kind words of how I had made a positive impact on her life; and then to hear how she now had a masters degree and was working as the HR supervisor for the county that she lived in and worked for. After lunch as I was getting ready to get back on my motorcycle Alicia handed me this card and she gave me a brief explanation and we said goodbye until next time. Then this morning, I reached into my motorcycle jacket after getting off the bike at work and realized that I still need to pass this card along.

Received at a conference! Awesome presentation!

I met Jon at a work conference in Dana Point, CA. After Jon’s presentation to the group and many tears shed, I decided to significantly donate to the cause and follow through on the organizations journey.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Thank you for your part in my journey and how you made me feel. – Vic Parker

I am a case manager for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I received this card at a DDS Training Conference in OKC from magician and motivational speaker Jon Petz.

Was given this in the line at the airport in Italy. I was talking with someone and had helped her with her bags. Neat idea here – and I’m glad I checked this out. will pass along the card as well.

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