Fitness / Gym

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - A bit of family history was made a little over three weeks ago when all five members of the Markowitz family of Westlake Village completed their first full marathon in San Diego. The event was more of a dedication to Patti Markowitz; also one of the marathoners who is also a recent stroke survivor.

It began a little over seven months ago when Patti, mother of three, and wife of Alan Markowitz suffered from a stroke. "Patti and I both hadn't made the connection with a stroke from the symptoms she had at the time so we didn't even go to the hospital thereafter," said her husband of 29 years. "It wasn't until the next day that other symptoms began to occur that immediately caused us to react differently." After numerous tests it appears that the stroke may have been caused by a hole in the heart. This hole is called the foramen ovale, and it normally closes shortly after birth. When it remains open after birth, it is said to be "patent," which is another way of saying "open" thus the full name of patent foramen ovale, or (PFO), which is evident in about 15-20 percent of the general population. When the foramen ovale remains open (patent) it can allow blood to potentially or actually mix between the two atria. Many people do not know they have PFO because it does not give any symptoms. PFO is considered a possible risk factor for stroke and systemic embolism because of the potential formation of blood clots.

As an avid runner for over 20 years, and currently a personal fitness trainer at the Westlake Tennis & Swim Club for over 14 years, Patti has always been the epitome of good health. When something like this occurred, one couldn't help but to ask the question, "why me?" One of the first responses we received was, "why not you?" It was only then we realized that something like this could actually happen to anyone at any time. Currently on an "anti-platelet" medication both Patti & Alan, and their Doctors feel that they're minimizing the risk of any re-occurrence of a stroke.

Four months after the stroke Alan came across a pamphlet at a local business establishment in Westlake Village advertising a marathon training program. To help with the healing process, and to fulfill Patti's life-long dream to run a marathon Alan decided to register him and Patti for the program. "It was the only way I would ever consider running a full marathon; by training with a qualified group." And what better group to do this with than the American Stroke Association. ASA's Train to End Stroke (TTES) is an endurance and fund-raising program, which participants train to run or walk a full, or half marathon in various locations. After sixteen weeks of training, and raising over $7,000 between the two of them, Alan & Patti completed 26.2 miles in this month's San Diego "Rock-n-Roll" Marathon. What made it extra special was the fact that they shared the experience with their three children, Troy, Jacklyn, Adam, and a family friend, Ashley Randall; all first-time marathoners. "Our children truly amazed us both. To think that they hadn't even trained for this event, and to complete the full 26.2-mile course is truly a demonstration of their drive, and a tribute to their 'stroke hero,' and mom."