A Second Wind

Open heart surgery changed Tonya Walsh’s heart – but not her outlook. ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 
 
 
According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, positive attitudes can improve outcomes and life satisfaction across a range of conditions; including heart disease, stroke and traumatic brain injury. And Tonya Walsh, Program Manager, SmartHome, is living proof.

“Positivity heals your mind and your body,” says Tonya. “But I believe it can heal the people around you as well.”

She learned this firsthand after open heart surgery.

Tonya was born breech with a heart murmur. Her heart was oval instead of circular, causing ineffective blood flow. Doctors told her that one day her valves would calcify and she would need surgery.

On March 19, 2025, that day arrived. “The day after surgery, I was walking and climbing stairs in the ICU with my earrings on and everything,” Tonya says with a laugh.

Her family jumped in to take care of her, even traveling across the country to do so. Unbelievably, she experienced little to no pain during her 36 weeks of heart therapy.

“I was home from work recovering for three months, but I didn’t spend a day of that alone,” says Tonya. “I truly believe that’s why I healed so well.”

Last June, Tonya participated in the WellWithin 5K Run / 1K Walk. It was her first organized walk after surgery.  

Take the next step. Whether it’s joining the WellWithin 5K Run / 1K Walk, attending a WellWithin Week activity, scheduling a preventive screening or simply taking a walk during your lunch break, every healthy choice matters. Like Tonya says, it all adds up.  

These days, she’s feeling like a new woman.

“I told my doctor that I feel like oxygen is flowing through my body in places it never has before,” says Tonya. “I’ve always had a lot of energy, but now I have even more.”

She’s putting that energy to good use. Tonya’s favorite health hack? Juicing.

“Food heals! Everyone should invest in a juicer,” says Tonya. “My favorite blend is Asian pears with red pepper. The pear aids digestion and lowers cholesterol. It’s high in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and iron absorption. Red pepper helps prevent cancer, balances mood and is a natural sleep aid. It tastes good too!”

Tonya has also worked with Eric at the Y@Work to tailor a strength program to support her recovery.

“Eric has been so helpful,” says Tonya. “And working out at The Y @ Work is so convenient.”

While she hasn’t completed her mini marathon yet, she’s still moving toward that goal one step at a time.

“I recently bought a tricycle, and I love it,” says Tonya. “I’m also walking two miles four to five times a week, juicing every day and spending time in my garden. I feel great.”

That steady approach is exactly why Tonya encourages others to participate in WellWithin Week activities and make their wellbeing a priority.

“You don’t have to start big,” says Tonya. “Just start. One walk. One healthy choice. One step. It all adds up.”

For Tonya, crossing the finish line at last year’s 1K wasn’t about distance. It was about celebrating how far she’d come since surgery — and reminding herself what was possible.

“Who is going to do it, if it’s not me?” says Tonya. “You get one life. I plan to make the most of it.”  

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