American Heart Association - Start! Lancaster Heart Walk Red Cap Spokesperson

Theresa Metz has never been one to watch life from the sidelines. Since early childhood, Theresa, also known as Stompin’ Lizzy Stanton on the roller derby circuit, has met life’s challenges with confidence and determination.

Theresa's daily routine includes; a full time job, a demanding athletic schedule, planning a wedding for next spring with her fiancé John, and she is working toward her bachelor’s degree in Albright College’s Accelerated Degree program. She is a person who has the world at her fingertips, but that was not always the case. At the beginning of Theresa’s life, her outlook was much different.

At two weeks old, Theresa’s parents knew something was not right. Their little baby had a grayish tone and was cold to the touch. Robert and Linda Metz took their baby girl to the doctor, thinking she had a cold or some type of virus.

The Metz’s learned their daughter suffered from two congenital heart defects. The first problem was an open passageway between her two major blood vessels, the pulmonary artery and the aorta, it had failed to grow shut as it should during the first weeks of life. Some of the blood that was intended to nourish the body was circulating uselessly back and forth between the heart and lungs. Her second heart problem was an abnormally constricted aorta. In one area, the blood flow slowed down and pressure was building up above the constriction.

Theresa fought for life and endured a surgical procedure. Her dedicated medical team was armed with the knowledge, capabilities and techniques developed from the advancements in cardiovascular research. Theresa’s surgery was a success and she was released within a few weeks to return home with her family. However, her battle was not over. As Theresa approached her fourth birthday, doctors noticed some unusual sounds coming from her heart. This required Theresa to have another open-heart surgery to remove some abnormal tissue in her aortic valve. The repair has helped her lead a normal, healthy life and she is monitored by her cardiologist annually but has no restrictions.

Theresa is part of the The Dutchland Derby Rollers. The group is the premier roller derby group comprised of 40+ local women, ages 18 to 60, united by their love of quad roller-skating and community involvement. On the rink, she goes by “Stompin’ Lizzy Stanton” and just as the name suggests, Theresa never backs down from a challenge.

“Without the research to learn about congenital heart defects and how to correct them, I wouldn’t be here today,” says Theresa. “When I realize my life today is a result of years of research and medical advancements, I am truly thankful and that is why I believe it is so important to give back to the cause that gave me the chance to live!” She will be the Start! Lancaster Heart Walk Red Cap Spokesperson on October 4 at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

About 40,000 babies are born each year with heart defects. At least 35 distinct types of defects are recognized, ranging from simple defects to complex malformations. Most defects can be corrected or improved with surgery or catheter-based therapy. About 1 million Americans alive today were born with congenital cardiovascular defects - about 25% are children.

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