By The Marfan Foundation

At 38, I nearly lost everything in an instant.

I was healthy, active, and busy with work and family when I felt sudden, unbearable pain tear through my chest. I had no idea I had Marfan syndrome, a genetic aortic condition that put me at much higher risk for an aortic dissection—a life-threatening tear in the body’s main artery.

I’m here today only because the medical team treating me recognized the signs and acted immediately.

Many others are not as lucky: up to 50% of people with an aortic dissection die before reaching the hospital, yet 80% could survive with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

As a board member of The Marfan Foundation, I’m proud that we’ve joined with six other leading aortic organizations across North America. By standing together during Aortic Dissection Awareness Week (September 14–20), we are stronger—and we can reach more people with life-saving awareness—through one shared message: STAT.

• S – Suspect the warning signs: sudden-onset severe pain (especially in the neck, back, chest, or abdomen); numbness or weakness in limbs; collapse; or a sense that something is terribly wrong. Pain is often intense, migratory, and may feel sharp, tearing, or ripping.
• T – Time is essential: Immediate emergency care—and ideally transport to a hospital with advanced surgical care capabilities—is critical.
• A – Aortic Imaging: Once dissection is rapidly confirmed via imaging (such as a CT scan), emergency surgery can save lives.
• T – Talk About It: Dissection often runs in families due to underlying genetic aortic conditions. Family members may need genetic testing and monitoring to stay safe. And survivors like me need support and community in order to thrive after dissection.

I know how quickly life can change—and how powerful it is when someone knows what to do. STAT saved my life. Knowing it could save someone you love.

Sincerely,
Joaquin Ramos, Jr.
Board Member, The Marfan Foundation

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