Sports fitness test for Coeur d'Alene teenager saves lives

COEUR d'ALENE — A routine sports physical earlier this year revealed that Max Nelson, a high school athlete, had suffered from heart disease since birth. The discovery came as a shock to Max and his family, as he was actively involved in track and football throughout high school.

Max's father, Kevin Nelson, said he sometimes thinks about how different everything could have been: “It could have ended tragically.”

Six months ago, when Max was preparing for track and field season at Coeur d'Alene High School, he would often find himself out of breath or red-faced during practice, even though he was in good shape. He usually ignored these signs and pushed through to compete.

Nurse Jennifer Fletcher noticed a problem with Max's heart when she examined him and referred him to a cardiologist. The family received shocking news. Max's heart was only functioning at about 25% of its capacity.

“I always thought it was a curse to have everything taken away from you in such a short time, but it made him more grateful for everything,” Kevin said.

Due to the diagnosis, Max had to interrupt his spring sports season as the family needed to explore medical options to treat the coarctation (narrowing) of his aorta.

After two heart surgeries, Max's recovery has not been without difficulties, but his heart function has improved to 85%.

“I don’t get out of breath as quickly anymore,” Max said.

Max is currently focusing on his senior year of high school and pursuing a college degree in physical education while pursuing his passion for athletics.

The family faces significant medical costs, totaling at least $20,000. “We haven't even gotten all the bills yet,” Kevin said. They have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs.

The Nelsons recently thanked Fletcher for her attention during the initial check-up. Fletcher, who is an expert in cardiovascular health, stressed the importance of detecting small irregularities: “That sports physical saved his life. We always assume that children are invulnerable, healthy people, but they can be born with congenital heart defects. Sometimes these small clues seem to mean nothing, but a healthy child should not have high blood pressure.”

Kevin hopes Max can use his experience to emphasize the importance of thorough physical exams. “We feel really blessed,” he said.