Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As you know, I have been busy launching the Linda and Mike Mussallem Foundation since retiring from my dream job – leading Edwards Lifesciences. This has been a truly inspiring period for Linda and me, and we feel fortunate to have created a foundation dedicated to advancing solutions for healthier and happier living.

I have also recently been focusing on my own health. A few years ago, I began noticing some subtle changes. I felt some weakness in my left hand that was worse when I was cold, and experienced occasional random muscle twitches. Despite how subtle these changes were, with Linda’s encouragement, I eventually began a neurology assessment. After six months of testing and evaluation, I was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.  I have no known family history of ALS, so the cause is unknown – as it is for the vast majority of those diagnosed.

I am grateful to have top notch doctors and wonderful support at home. I am fully engaged in a range of treatments to keep myself as healthy as possible. The good news is that I am doing well. Although there has been progression, I’m fortunate to be classified by my doctors as a slow progressor and I’m aiming to be in the lucky group of people who live more than 10 years following diagnosis.

I plan to stay focused on the 3 F’s: fighting, philanthropy, and fun. In other words, staying healthy, supporting those in need (particularly the priorities of our foundation), and having fun. Fun has ranged from enjoying a Cubs game at Wrigley with my crazy extended family, to enjoying a cigar on the deck with my music turned up!

I did not share this news more broadly until now because I did not want to distract from the well-planned leadership transition at Edwards or the launch of our foundation and the major initiatives we are working on. Nor do I want to distract from the important work we are doing through the foundation moving forward. Although Linda and I have engaged in some ALS-related philanthropy, we remain steadfast in our focus on our foundation’s key priorities – advancing innovation and integrative health, Down syndrome health care, and treatment for congenital heart defects.

In particular, we’ve been working for the past year on an important new initiative aimed at transforming outcomes for children born with heart defects and their families. Linda and I are incredibly excited about the potential of this unique program and look forward to sharing more about it in the coming months. 

I’m very grateful for the warm wishes I’ve received since I started sharing the news. Some have asked how they can help, and I have a few ideas to suggest. Although I deeply value my wonderful relationships, please be understanding of my limitations as fatigue impacts my ability to engage in travel and long days. Please support Linda – she’s constantly providing me with lots of love and extra care. And finally, we have ambitious goals for the Linda and Mike Mussallem Foundation, of which I am proud. I encourage you to subscribe below for updates from our foundation via email or follow us on social media.   

In the meantime, I’m staying busy and remain focused and positive.  I thank you all for your many cherished years of friendship and support, and please continue to take good care.