Back On the Air After Lifesaving Care

Kansas City loves Rocket. As cohost of MIX 93.3’s Rocket & Teresa Show, he is one of the city’s most beloved radio personalities. In December 2019, he nearly died as he went into congestive heart failure in the hospital’s ED. “The doctors and nurses saved my life,” said Rocket, tearfully.

An Undiagnosed, Rare Heart Condition

Rocket was surprised to hear he had undiagnosed bicuspid aortic valve disease, a rare condition affecting just 1%-2% of the population. BAVD is a birth defect that’s twice as common in men. It occurs when the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the three needed to properly regulate the heart’s blood flow.

Interventional Cardiologist James Mitchell, MD, of Meritas Health Cardiology, performed the heart valve procedure, a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, that corrected Rocket’s heart problem. Before making a full recovery, Rocket’s heart stopped a few times. “We think we are invincible, but we aren’t. This is the only life we have, so we need to take care of ourselves,” Rocket said.

Lucky to Be Alive

Prior to his diagnosis, Rocket experienced bloating and difficulty breathing, two common symptoms of BAVD. He couldn’t put on his shoes or walk more than 10 feet without being out of breath. Like many people, he rationalized his symptoms as something else, like his preexisting COPD or asthma. “It’s scary when the doctor says you are lucky to be alive,” Rocket remembered. “All I could think of was my daughter, and how I wanted to be here for her.” Watch Rocket's story from KMBC.

Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Begins

With his daughter’s encouragement, Rocket is now incorporating diet, exercise and stress relief for a heart-healthy lifestyle. He urges everyone to be aware of their bodies, get regular checkups and see a doctor for any health changes.


As Rocket nears the birth of his first granddaughter this month, he’s even more motivated to take care of himself.

More About Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease

• In BAVD, the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the three needed to properly regulate the heart’s blood flow.
• The condition can go undetected for years.
• Although BAVD affects just 1%-2% of the population, it’s the most common congenital heart condition.
• It’s twice as common in men.
• BAVD can be inherited.
• Signs of BAVD include:
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Heart murmur
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Untreated and undiagnosed BAVD can lead to increased risk of:
• An aneurysm
• A tear in the aorta and strain on the heart
• Congestive heart failure and sometimes death

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Kim Shopper

Kim has worked at NKCH for nearly 40 years where she produces the employee newsletter and manages internal campaigns. She is a board member for the Kansas City Health Communicators, and she is passionate about animal rescue and volunteers for the Parkville Animal Shelter.