master’s degree in social work. He could continue playing while in graduate school.
For the past year, Kenneth has been putting his communications lessons to use by sharing his story about being a heart disease survivor. He was inspired to do so by one of his former teammates – Courtney Love, now the team’s director of player development – who “stressed that we should be of service to the community that gives so much to us.”
Kenneth has spoken at several American Heart Association Heart Walk events and coordinated and planned a hands-only CPR training for the UK football team and staff.
“In freshman year, I didn’t want to be known for my heart surgery, I wanted to be known for my play on the field,” he says. “Now I’m very comfortable talking about it because if I can help somebody going through a similar thing, then I’ve done some good.”
Kenneth was recently named to the Southeastern Conference Community Service Team in recognition of his achievements on and off the field.
“We are especially proud of him taking care of himself and paying it forward,” Shari concludes. “If his story can help other people, especially youth, that’s a wonderful thing.”
When to see a doctor
If you have signs or symptoms of endocarditis, see your doctor as soon as possible. Seeing a doctor is especially important if you have risk factors for endocarditis, such as a heart defect or history of endocarditis. Although less serious conditions can cause similar signs and symptoms, getting evaluated by your doctor is the only way to rule them out.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are common signs or symptoms of endocarditis:
- Aching joints and muscles
- Chest pain when you breathe
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in your feet, legs or abdomen
- A new or changed heart murmur, which is the heart sound made by blood rushing through your heart
Additionally, you should notify your doctor if you have been diagnosed with endocarditis and notice the following symptoms worsening:
- Chills
- Fever
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Shortness of breath
If you are currently taking antibiotics, tell your doctor if you develop diarrhea, a rash, itching or joint pain. These signs and symptoms may mean you’re having a reaction to your prescribed antibiotic.