After a stroke at 87, woman had to convince family she was really OK
Jan 26, 2023
Barbara Bartels of Santa Cruz, California, credits her immediate recovery after a stroke to timely help and an active, healthy lifestyle.
Stories From the Heart
This series from American Heart Association News chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
A thump to his chest during a game stopped his heart. Textbook response saved him.
Jan 24, 2023
Teenager Peter Laake of Glenwood, Maryland, was playing lacrosse when a fast-moving ball struck him in the wrong place at the wrong time, causing a cardiac arrest.
At annual 'Thriller' event, zombie went into cardiac arrest
Jan 20, 2023
Halloween enthusiast Sarah Katzenmaier went into cardiac arrest while dancing in the annual "Thriller" event in Lexington, Kentucky. A bystander started CPR.
ER worker's heart stopped, leaving her 'the color of Cookie Monster'
Jan 18, 2023
Christi Eberhardt went into cardiac arrest while on a break at work. Her colleagues performed CPR, and she recovered and had a baby. Then she had a heart attack 12 years later.
When he stopped breathing, his dog called out for help
Jan 13, 2023
At 31, Ken Walsh of East Brunswick, New Jersey, went into cardiac arrest on his couch. His dog, Indiana, alerted his wife. His recovery led him to the finish line of the New York City marathon.
ER nurse went into cardiac arrest at daughter's school
Jan 11, 2023
At 34, a virus damaged Laura Rodriguez's heart. But she didn't know it until she collapsed in the nurse's office at her daughter's elementary school.
Heart attack at 46 led to a new heart and new outlook on life
Jan 4, 2023
Eddie Garcia of San Jose, California, had many complications after his heart attack, including cardiac arrest and heart failure. He now has a new heart.
AHA News' most-read survivor stories of 2022
Dec 23, 2022
Nearly 100 survivors were featured this year. Here are the top stories that inspired readers.
Days before Christmas, new mom had a stroke
Dec 22, 2022
Ashley Hammontree of Greenwood, Missouri, had a stroke just before Christmas 2016. Her husband, a former EMT, knew the signs and called 911.
Heart transplant recipient honors her donor 'by living the best possible life I can'
Dec 20, 2022
Linda Jara was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at age 35. Seven years later, she needed a new heart. Despite early complications and ongoing difficulties, she remains optimistic.