John Ritter was more than just a funny man; he was a husband, a father, and a friend. When he passed away suddenly on September 11, 2003, his death shocked the world. He was rehearsing for his show “8 Simple Rules….for Dating My Teenage Daughter” when he suddenly became ill. John ultimately died of an aortic dissection just days before his 55th birthday. More than two decades later, John Ritter’s sons, Tyler and Jason, visited CBS News Los Angeles to urge others to visit their doctors.
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“I would say if anyone has a family member who’s had issues with their aorta, if they have aortic disease, then I think the most important message we can leave today is for first-degree relatives to get screened.” Tyler Ritter said. “That’s parents, children, and siblings.”
John Ritter’s Brother Had a Similar Issue
Tyler Ritter added that John’s brother had a screening after his passing that saved his life.
“We know this through first-hand experience. My dad’s older brother found out a few years after my dad passed that he had an aortic aneurysm. He had surgery, and he’s still alive,” Tyler said.
Jason Ritter added that knowledge is power and he hopes others will educate themselves about their family’s health history.
“It’s completely preventable. If you know about it, you can totally prevent it,” he said.
On September 12, The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, along with the Ritter family, will host Evening from the Heart LA to help raise money “to fund research, provide education, and raise awareness of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Together we can save lives,” per the foundation.
John Ritter’s life ended far too soon, but we know he’d be unbelievably proud of the lives his family has helped save.
This story’s featured image is by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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