Michael Sheibe first picked up the trumpet in sixth grade. Now at West Nassau High School, the 16-year-old is pumped for his fourth and final year in marching band.
“Even though having a heart defect or any other kind of defect is not the best, you can still do so much,” he said.
Michael’s parents found out about his heart defect when he was still in the womb. At 11 months old, he underwent his first open heart surgery for double-outlet right ventricle.
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The heart defect causes the mixing of red, oxygen-rich blood and blue, oxygen-poor blood.
He’s had six heart surgeries at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the last almost a year ago.
Action News Jax reporter Brittney Donovan asked him if he ever gets scared heading into surgery.
His reply: “I know I’m going to come out fine, so it’s not as scary as most people would think.”
Michael says the people at Wolfson Children’s Hospital contribute to his positive outlook.
Their team has been with him since day one.
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This weekend, Wolfson is hosting its 30th annual bass tournament in Palatka. A $65,000 boat will be auctioned off, and more than 1,300 fishermen are expected to compete.
Part of the proceeds will go toward Wolfson's new heart surgery partnership with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
The goal is to raise $300,000 to ensure patients get the best care, so teens like Michael can focus on what's most important to them.
“Just getting ready for my next year of band, practicing the new music that we're given,” he said.
If you're not a fisherman, click here to learn how you can still help Wolfson reach its goal.