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.
Congenital Heart Defects
Born with a severe heart defect, ‘Mayor Manny’ thrives after a life-saving transplant
May 8, 2026
Doctors told Manny Rios’ mother her infant wouldn’t survive after being born with a severely underdeveloped heart. After three surgeries and a transplant, he went on to play high school sports. Now 19, he’s giving back to his community.
She didn’t realize her childhood heart condition could affect pregnancy – until it did
Apr 2, 2026
Whitney Johnson was born with a heart murmur, unlike her identical twin. After years of high school sports, doctors found a hole in her heart that required surgery. Years later, she was stunned to learn her pregnancy could put her heart – and her baby – at risk.
A rider’s heart stopped at a horse show on her 14th birthday – now she’s getting back in the saddle
Jan 29, 2026
Ryan Haselden spent her 14th birthday competing in a show jumping event. After a fall from her horse, she went into cardiac arrest. CPR and an AED saved her, and tests later revealed a rare heart condition. Now she’s back chasing her riding dreams.
A surgeon’s bold idea kept a newborn alive 16 months while she waited for a heart transplant
Jan 23, 2026
Born with a congenital heart defect, Aaliyah was too small for a standard heart assist device. A surgeon created a novel approach that kept her alive 16 months until a donor heart arrived.
Mom’s missed diagnosis and heart journey inspire daughters to prioritize their own heart health
Nov 13, 2025
Natalie Daugherty spent years as a nurse helping patients while her own irregular heartbeat went undiagnosed. After surgery to repair a leaky valve, her experience inspired her daughters to take charge of their own heart health.
Her heart, liver problems required a rare type of double transplant. It worked.
Oct 24, 2025
Anissa Swanigan didn’t just need a heart and liver transplant – she needed them transplanted in reverse order. Thirteen years later, she’s still here to tell her story.
Her stroke revealed a heart defect weeks before her semester in London. Could she still go?
Oct 9, 2025
At 20, Liv Pines had a stroke no one saw coming – or recognized for days. Now she wants everyone, especially young women, to know they may have the same risk factors she had.
Son of a boxing great struggled in the ring. It was a life-threatening heart condition.
Sep 25, 2025
Professional boxer Evan Holyfield, son of former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, faced his toughest fight outside the ring: open-heart surgery. His recovery brought physical, emotional and mental challenges.
Alyiah Luntzer’s mom wears heart health on her sleeve
Aug 21, 2025
“Heart mom” Christina Luntzer was teaching kids about heart health long before Alyiah was born. Now they learn about it together.