In 2018, while out of state for a conference, I received a call from my dad that changed my life. My mom, Paula, had collapsed while working second shift in a factory. She was taken to the closest community hospital and then transferred to a larger hospital for more comprehensive care. Ironically, she was taken to the same hospital where I completed my medical training. While Face Timing with my family and her doctors, I learned she had suffered a massive heart attack. She unfortunately passed a few hours later.
She had symptoms for a few days prior to her heart attack: indigestion, nausea, left shoulder pain, fatigue, shortness of breath. The symptoms she experienced are common for cardiovascular disease in women. But, like many women, my mother thought her symptoms were due to other factors: muscle soreness from a new position at her job or eating something "bad" or anxiety.
As inpatient medical director at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, I am passionate about helping care for patients who have been devastatingly impacted by cardiovascular disease with hearts attacks, strokes, etc. I see the impact it has on our community and am invested in helping restore the hope and freedom of those affected.
I'm proud to be on a team of change makers with the American Heart Association making a real impact on the state of women's health in honor of my mom, Paula.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. The American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement's Woman of Impact campaign is working to change that.
Heart disease unfairly targets women and women have been left out of research, testing, treatment and funding. Women have been underrepresented, undertreated and undercounted. But it doesn't have to be this way. Because there's one source of support women can always count on - each other.
Together, we can engage more women in research. We can fight for access to care and treatments. And we can be a catalyst to create health solutions with women's unique health needs in mind, supporting them through every age, stage and season of life.
It's not just about wearing red or sharing heart health facts. It's about all women connecting and committing to stand together against our greatest health threat.
The time is now. Are you with me? To support my campaign, click the Donate button.
With a grateful heart,
Meagan