At Dynamic Fitness & Strength, we know that strength comes in many forms—not just in the weight you lift, but in the battles you face and overcome. While Wear Red Day was observed on February 7th, all of February is dedicated to Women’s Heart Health Awareness Month—a time to spotlight the importance of cardiovascular health, especially for women. Even as we move into March, we want to continue recognizing this critical cause and share the powerful story of our Co-Founder and Director of Marketing, Tammy Tambornino, who recently underwent life-changing open-heart surgery.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that health is not just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and deeply personal.
A Lifetime in the Making
Tammy was born with an aortic bicuspid valve, a congenital heart condition that many live with unknowingly. Over time, her condition progressed, leading to a critical need for multiple valve replacements and the repair of a hole in her heart.
Facing this reality was not easy. As someone used to being the caretaker—both at home and in her professional life—learning to lean on others was one of the biggest challenges.
"I always wanted everything to be perfect, but this journey taught me to be more comfortable with the imperfections of life. Learning to let go, to rely on others, and to accept help was a huge lesson for me."
The Strength Found in Vulnerability
Tammy prepared for surgery by connecting with friends and colleagues who had undergone similar experiences. She wanted to understand what to expect and mentally prepare herself for what lay ahead.
"It was almost like I couldn’t get enough information—I needed to understand every aspect so I could face it head-on."
But no amount of preparation could take away the weight of the unknown—the worry for her husband, her children, and how they would navigate this journey with her.
"The hardest part wasn’t the surgery itself. It was seeing my family go through it. You always think about how they are feeling, how they are processing it. Staying strong for them while managing my own fears was incredibly difficult."
A New Perspective on Health and Life
Now two months post-surgery, Tammy has gained more than just a repaired heart—she’s gained a new outlook on life.
She has learned that:
✅ Tangible things are not as important as time, health, and relationships.
✅ Mental health plays a critical role in physical recovery and overall well-being.
✅ Listening to your body is non-negotiable—acting on warning signs is essential.
✅ Stress management, exercise, and self-care are just as crucial as physical fitness.
✅ Knowing and acknowledging your vulnerabilities does not make you weak—it makes you resilient.
"You don’t realize how much it means for someone to reach out to you until you’re in that situation. It’s the small things that make the biggest impact. Every message, every check-in, every moment of kindness—it all mattered more than I ever knew."
A Call to Action: Prioritize Your Heart Health
Tammy’s journey is a powerful reminder that heart health is not just a statistic—it’s a reality that affects millions. In the U.S. alone, 60 million women are currently living with undiagnosed or untreated heart conditions.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women, yet it is often overlooked. Symptoms can be subtle, dismissed as stress or fatigue, but early detection can save lives.
"It’s not just about heart health—it’s about stress management, exercise, and allowing yourself the space to recover when needed. We often forget to put ourselves first, but it’s okay to take care of yourself. In fact, it’s necessary."
Though February was dedicated to raising awareness, heart health is something we should prioritize year-round. We encourage everyone—especially women—to:
❤️ Schedule regular heart check-ups.
❤️ Pay attention to warning signs and listen to your body.
❤️ Manage stress and prioritize mental well-being.
❤️ Take action—whether it’s making lifestyle changes or simply starting the conversation.
Tammy’s experience is a testament to strength, resilience, and the power of awareness. She extends her deepest gratitude to the exceptional team at Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire, whose expertise and dedication made her recovery possible.
"It takes a team of amazing people to do something like this."
Strength in Every Form
At Dynamic Fitness & Strength, we believe in more than just physical strength—we believe in mental, emotional, and personal strength.
Tammy’s journey is a reminder that strength isn’t just about lifting weights or building muscle—it’s about the challenges you face, the battles you overcome, and the mindset you cultivate.
Even though February’s Heart Health Awareness Month has passed, the conversation doesn’t end here. Prioritize your health, support those around you, and never underestimate the power of resilience.
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