American Heart Association Dra, 16-year-old stroke survivor
It was like any other Saturday morning for a young teenage boy who loved to play basketball. But by 1 a.m., he was having brain surgery. Now he and his mom Angela are telling his story.
Survivor Spotlight: Dra
Dra’s arm felt heavy, and his mom began to worry. She knew something was off.
“I tried to get up, but I couldn't. I knew I was in trouble. I was giving up. I didn’t want to, but I felt like I was just giving up.”
Angela didn’t know if her child was going to survive. That’s when she learned about the AHA.
“They saved me that night.” - Dra
Dra’s treatment plan was based on research funded by the American Heart Association.
“I don’t know if Dra would be here today, if it wasn’t for the work the American Heart Association has done.”
The Impact of the American Heart Association
Every dollar you give helps save lives through:
- Innovative research and medical breakthroughs such as the artificial heart valve
- Improving quality of care in hospitals in your community
- Training of more than 22 million people annually in lifesaving CPR
- Education that helps people prevent, detect and treat high blood pressure
- Instilling heart-healthy lifestyle for more than 20 million children at 30,000 schools each year
Dra is alive today
"I’m here today because someone like you gave. Thank you for giving.”
Benefits of Becoming a Monthly Donor
Early access to new research and guidelines for living a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Exclusive quarterly impact report delivered to your inbox.
Special invitations to conversations with AHA leadership and experts.