COEUR D’ALENE — A routine sports physical earlier this year uncovered a serious heart condition in Max Nelson, a high school athlete. The discovery was a surprise to Max and his family, given his active involvement in track and field and football throughout high school.
Max’s father, Kevin Nelson, reflected on the situation, saying, “It could have been a tragic ending.”
In the months leading up to track season at Coeur d’Alene High School, Max frequently felt short of breath and flushed during practice, despite being in good shape. He often ignored these symptoms and continued to compete.
Nurse practitioner Jennifer Fletcher detected a problem with Max’s heart during his physical and referred him to a cardiologist. The family was stunned to learn that Max’s heart was operating at only 25% capacity.
Kevin Nelson noted, “I always thought it was a curse, having everything taken away so quickly, but it made him more thankful for everything.”
The diagnosis halted Max’s spring sports season as the family sought medical treatment for the coarctation, or narrowing, of his aorta.
Following two heart surgeries, Max’s recovery has been challenging, but his heart function has improved to 85%.
“I’m not out of breath as easily,” Max said.
Now, Max is focusing on his senior year and aims to pursue a college degree in a physical field while continuing his passion for track.
The Nelsons are dealing with significant medical expenses, totaling at least $20,000, with more bills still to come. To help cover these costs, they have set up a GoFundMe page.
The family recently expressed their gratitude to Fletcher for her careful attention during the physical. Fletcher, who specializes in cardiovascular health, stressed the importance of noticing small irregularities: “This sports physical saved his life. We often assume children are perfectly healthy, but they can have congenital heart defects. Small clues, like high blood pressure, should not be ignored.”
Kevin hopes Max’s experience will highlight the need for thorough physical examinations. “We feel pretty blessed,” he said.
