 | Eric Guggemos – finds rhythm Eric Guggemos, 36, lives a full life today with his wife and two daughters despite his ups and downs of life with a congenital heart defect. “I feel like I was cured because I feel so good now,” Eric said about his health since his fifth open heart surgery in 2005. Doctors discovered Eric had tetralogy of fallot seven weeks after he was born. Read Full Story |  | Robby Sampson – has a lot of heart for a 6-year-old In Robby Gordon Sampson’s short life, he has faced and won more challenges than the average six-year-old. Robby has tetralogy of fallot, a combination of four heart defects present at birth. After his birth on February 14, 2004; the doctor discovered Robby had a heart murmur. Robby’s pediatrician then ordered additional testing, and three tests in about five hours led to the diagnosis of tetralogy of fallot. Read Full Story | |
 | Maddy Thoele – gravity keeps her feet on the ground Former Miss Minnesota International Maddy Thoele, 20, has learned to live with the pull of gravity on her heart. In 2009, doctors diagnosed her with Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia after feeling chest pains. At the time, she attended college at Saint Cloud State University, and she served as the youngest Miss Minnesota International ever. Read Full Story |  | Robyn Sherman – lives to give to other kids Seventeen-year-old Robyn Sherman’s life looks similar to many high school seniors, but her journey started different from many of her peers. It began with a congenital heart disease at birth. Robyn has tetralogy of fallot, a condition that causes the heart to have structural problems, poor oxygen and blood flow. Her journey began the day after Robyn’s birth when the doctors informed her parents, Karen and Scott, of Robyn’s condition. Read Full Story | |
 | Nick Zerwas – found a royal flush with the cards of life |  | Ron Gardenhire – honors his big brother Always known for his big heart and feisty demeanor on the field, Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire's perspective on life changed in 2008 when the life of his big brother Mike was cut short by a heart attack at the young age of 56. This experience moved Gardy to become a supporter and spokesperson for the American Heart Association. Read Full Story |
