After a stroke at 26, determined athlete fights back
Jun 24, 2021
Former college soccer player Jesse Shea was in the best shape of his life when he had a stroke. After months of relearning to walk and talk, he ran a half-marathon.
Stories From the Heart
This series from American Heart Association News chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
Teacher collapsed in school hallway from a stroke
Jun 22, 2021
Nicky Larson ignored shoulder pain while making Halloween treats for her daughter’s day care. The next day, she had a stroke.
At 17, he received a new heart. By 23, he began transitioning.
Jun 18, 2021
Born with a rare heart condition, Maddox Jones had two open-heart surgeries and a new heart by 17. Then began his next journey, securing his transplant team's approval to take testosterone and begin transitioning.
At 27, she collapsed in the shower from a stroke
Jun 16, 2021
Veronica Cardello struggled to accept she'd had a stroke at 27. Then, doctors struggled to find the cause.
Video gaming helps heart defect survivor connect with others in the LGBTQ community and beyond
Jun 11, 2021
Congenital heart defect survivor Mike Lane uses his platform as a gaming influencer to connect with others and raise awareness about heart disease.
His grandpa and mom died of the same heart condition he has
Jun 8, 2021
Jimmy Fremgen was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that caused the deaths of his grandfather and mother. Today, the Sacramento-based advocate raises awareness about heart disease.
Legally blind photographer overcomes heart surgery during the pandemic
Jun 4, 2021
Bluish, purple skin pointed doctors to his heart defects shortly after birth. So began a challenge-filled journey for this 21-year-old.
CPR, defibrillator save man's life after he collapses playing rec basketball
Jun 1, 2021
Fast-acting helpers called 911 and started CPR after 25-year-old Kevin Marcus Miller's heart stopped on the basketball court.
College kid couldn't shake headache – until other symptoms revealed a stroke
May 27, 2021
A stroke survivor at 21, Jacob York is sharing his story in hopes that others his age won't feel as alone as he did.
Woman's frozen face, garbled speech during Zoom call were signs of a stroke
May 25, 2021
A weekly Zoom call became a social lifeline during the pandemic. It also helped save Dorothy Farris' life.