My name is Nichole Tomich, and I am blessed to say that I am a 14-year heart survivor. I have been involved with the American Heart Association for almost half of my life. In addition to being a Heart Walk team leader, I have been a volunteer, spokesperson, and most recently chairperson for Open Your Heart, a campaign which raises awareness for congenital heart defects through AHA. All of these roles in this organization have shaped me into the woman that I am today.
I was born with a heart defect that went undetected until I started having symptoms at 13 years old. My symptoms were a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a near-fainting feeling. 3 years of these episodes passed before a recording of my heart rate was captured and a diagnosis was able to be made. In 2010, my highest recorded heart rate was 310 beats per minute. This recording is what lead to my diagnosis of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and a subsequent 5 1/2 hour surgery at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. Since my surgery, I have not had any further episodes. My "major surgery" 13 years ago, which is now considered a routine procedure today, is truly a testiment to the advancements in techonology that AHA helps to further propel forward.
Being a heart survivor is something that I have always been extremely proud of. It has been a passion of mine to continually share that not all heart survivors look the same. I walk because I know that with every step, I'm making a difference in someone's life. I know this firsthand, as the steps that others have taken before me have made a difference in my own life. As I celebrate 14 years of a healthy heart, will you be a Heart Walk Hero with me?
Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people within our community and beyond live longer, healthier lives.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today!