3 heart attacks, 3 strokes, a heart transplant and a new mission
Sep 3, 2026
Years of unexplained health problems led educator Angela Hughes Lewis to heart failure, a heart transplant and a commitment to helping women protect their heart health.
Stories From the Heart
This series from American Heart Association News chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
After cardiac arrest and CPR, football player eyes a comeback
Aug 28, 2026
Virginia high school student Ameer Chambers collapsed after running sprints at football practice and went into cardiac arrest. CPR from his trainer saved his life, and now he hopes to return to the field.
After losing 2 daughters, family pushes for genetic testing
Aug 21, 2026
The Carlton family lost Abi, 9, and Molly, 5, to the same rare genetic condition just 20 months apart. Now, they’re advocating for earlier genetic testing for children.
A stroke led him to create recovery software for survivors
Aug 17, 2026
After a late night of programming, Yutao Huang woke up stumbling and unable to speak clearly. When stroke rehab exercises didn't help him regain computer skills, he built software to help himself and other survivors improve fine motor control.
Family history and ultrasound help save woman with aortic dissection
Aug 6, 2026
Sara Adair feared an aortic dissection after chest pain struck. Her family history raised concern, and a bedside ultrasound revealed the life-threatening tear in time for emergency surgery.
A heart attack ended his marathon training. Then his heart stopped.
Jul 30, 2026
Michael Bonnardi thought he was feeling his age when marathon training became harder. Instead, the fatigue was an early warning sign of a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Now, he's focused on staying active in a different way.
After a stroke at 14, she vowed to walk at her high school graduation
Jul 20, 2026
Bella Chambasis started high school in a wheelchair after a stroke at 14 left her with weakness on her left side. Years later, the Connecticut teen achieved her goal of standing up and walking across the stage to receive her diploma.
Just 10 days after giving birth, she had a heart attack
Jul 17, 2026
What Amy Mazur-Hession thought was indigestion or a panic attack was actually a postpartum heart attack caused by a rare artery tear. It happened a week and a half after she gave birth to her second daughter.
His heart stopped during a workout at age 39. Then it happened again 2 years later.
Jul 9, 2026
Kyle Hartley survived a heart attack and cardiac arrest during a workout class. CPR saved him again after a second cardiac arrest two years later. Today, he’s stronger and healthier – and exercising at the same gym.
Heart attack couldn’t keep mom from her son’s Marine ceremony
Jul 2, 2026
After surviving a massive heart attack caused by a blocked major artery, Rikki Crider hit the road to make her son’s Marine boot camp graduation.