A priest gave her last rites soon after birth. Today is her 26th birthday.
Apr 15, 2019
A priest gave her last rites the day she was born. As a teenager, her outlook was bleak enough that the Make-A-Wish Foundation sent her to the Oscars.
Stories From the Heart
This series from American Heart Association News chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
She wrote goodbye letters to her kids. A transplant kept them from being read.
Apr 9, 2019
It took a North Carolina woman nine years to overcome her pregnancy-related heart failure.
Couple kept the faith as their baby neared death – and then a transplant saved him
Apr 2, 2019
Skylar Myers is an active fourth-grader, an amazing turnaround from his earliest days when he needed a new heart.
Genetic testing helps family uncover inherited heart condition
Mar 29, 2019
After a series of heart-related problems, a California woman discovered she had inherited the same heart condition that killed her mother and sister.
After 4 strokes, rare disease and brain surgery, woman helps others
Mar 27, 2019
Fifteen years after recovering from three strokes in her 20s, Lisa Deck found herself battling a rare brain disorder.
Family adopts three children with three different heart conditions
Mar 20, 2019
While many American families adopt children from China, even multiple children, there's more to the Fussell family. Each of the three children they adopted had a heart condition.
Two young moms bond over heart failure, transplant experiences
Mar 14, 2019
Sarah Bradley felt alone after being diagnosed with a rare condition that would require a heart transplant. Then she got a social media message from Amanda Gabaldon, who had the same condition.
Young mom thought it was a heart attack – until she couldn't touch her nose
Mar 12, 2019
Leann Sorrell thought she was having a heart attack as she drove her son home from high school. Minutes later, the 39-year-old was in the emergency room being treated for a stroke.
Young sisters battle different types of heart disease
Feb 26, 2019
As one sister suffers four heart attacks by her 30th birthday, the younger sister is diagnosed with a different heart condition.
With new heart, mom of four competes in Transplant Games
Feb 21, 2019
A Texas mother almost died after two major heart attacks following childbirth. Then she set out to get strong and achieve her goal of competing in the Transplant Games.