MaryRiley’s Story: A Heart Full of Hope
2026 American Heart Association Tampa Bay Heart Walk
At 16, MaryRiley should be focused on the things most teenagers look forward to—school, friendships, learning to drive, making memories, and discovering who she wants to become.
Instead, this summer brought an unexpected turn in her life.
In July 2026, MaryRiley was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome Type 2 (LQT2), a genetic heart condition that affects the heart’s electrical system and can cause potentially life-threatening heart rhythms.
What makes LQT2 especially frightening is that its risks are not always visible. MaryRiley can look and feel like any other teenager, yet sudden noises, emotional stress, and physical exertion may pose serious risks.
Since her diagnosis, she has undergone extensive cardiac testing, worn a heart monitor, started medication, and experienced frightening episodes of chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rates. Some episodes have required emergency medical evaluation.
Through it all, MaryRiley continues to show courage, resilience, and a determination to live as fully as possible.
One of the most difficult parts of this journey is the uncertainty. We are still learning which activities are safe, what her symptoms mean, and how to protect her heart while preserving the independence and freedom every teenager deserves. There is not always a clear answer or an easy roadmap.
This is where our faith in God, the strength of our community, and hope become so important.
MaryRiley is a sophomore who transferred to Calvary Christian High School this year. What began as a new school and a fresh chapter has become something much more meaningful.
Through the compassion and leadership of her school community, MaryRiley’s story is now part of Calvary Hearts of Hope, a student-centered initiative supporting the American Heart Association.
Alongside fellow student Cameron, whose own cardiac journey has highlighted the importance of early detection, MaryRiley is helping remind us that heart disease and heart conditions do not discriminate by age. They affect children, teenagers, families, and communities.
On November 14, 2026, we will participate in the American Heart Association’s Tampa Bay Heart Walk—not only to raise funds, but also to increase awareness, advance research, support lifesaving education, and offer hope to families navigating the unknown.
We walk for teenagers whose heart conditions cannot be seen.
We walk for families waiting for answers.
We walk for early detection, scientific progress, and the opportunity for every child to experience a full and beautiful life.
And we walk for MaryRiley—whose heart condition may be part of her story, but will never define who she is.
Our Calvary Hearts of Hope community has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $20,000. Every donation brings us closer to a future with more answers, better treatments, and greater hope.
Please consider supporting MaryRiley, Cameron, and the countless families affected by heart conditions.
Together, with faith, love, and hope, we can make every heartbeat matter. â¤ï¸
Calvary Hearts of Hope | Tampa Bay Heart Walk | November 14, 2026