My name is Trudy Tynan and I am retired after 30 years as a reporter with The Associated Press. Fourteen years ago, I was diagnosed with HCM, at the age of 60, and have undergone an alcohol ablation and later an ablation for a-fib at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. I work part-time as a writing tutor at Holyoke Community College in western Massachusetts where I live and I have a passion for birding, especially seabirds. Being a discussion group leader affords me the opportunity to help a group that will ultimately encourage and support each other in facing our own individual journeys with HCM.