While some students deal with the stresses of school and life, junior Jack Zamborsky has one more thing to worry about.

Zamborsky’s ascending aorta has an aneurism, meaning that the artery has dilated and may explode.

On Jan. 3, when most students are returning to school after winter break, Zamborsky will go to INOVA Heart and Cardiology Hospital in Fairfax to receive open-heart surgery.

Surgeons will replace his aorta with synthetic plastic that will act in place of the artery.

“I really just want to get [the surgery] over with,” said Zamborsky. “It’s been consuming my life for the past few months and I just want it done. I’m not scared or worried now, but I’m sure that it will hit me in the days before the surgery.”

Although Zamborsky is prepared to undergo open-heart surgery, it is an intricate and difficult operation.

“I should be completely fine after the surgery unless the leaflets in the valve of the aorta are diseased,” said Zamborsky. “In which case, they would have to fix that and I would be on blood thinners for the rest of my life.”

If the operation is successful, Zamborsky will require a recovery process of rest to increase his strength, heal the incision, and prevent infection.

“Jack is one of my best friends and of course all his friends are hopeful the surgery is successful,” said junior Chris Murray. “He’s got a bigger heart now because of the implant, so watch out ladies.”

With the help and support of his friends, Zamborsky plans to have a rapid recovery and get back on his feet soon.

“I want to thank all my friends for the support they’ve shown me in the past weeks,” said Zamborsky. “All of them have been amazing.”