Yanela Vickers

Life is Why!

A Journey from the HEART

MY WHY

Life is full of uncertainty, and in 2007 my life changed in a blink of an eye. I was diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle) at the age of 18. I went into cardiac failure in late July following the delivery of my daughter and was immediately admitted into ICU at St.Mary's Medical Center with an ejection fraction of 31%. Though I was fighting to prevent my own maternal death, my will to live, along with the extensive care of Cardiologist Dr.Suneet Kukreja and the medical team of SMMC,  I would not be alive today. Heart disease is part of me and will always be, and though I still struggle with various symptoms, it is my utmost goal to bring awareness and prevention to this this killer.

This years advocacy efforts are in dedicaation to two special people I hold near and dear to my heart, my mother who passed in Febuary 2023. Upon arrival to the ER, my mother went into cardiac arrest secondary to respiratory arrest post status epilepticus and was immediately placed in an induced coma due to metabolic acidosis.  She is is two-time stroke survivor and I champion this movement in her honor. 

The second person I dedicate this year to is my warrior daughter Leah who was recently diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and is undergoing monitoring for inherited heart disease at the young age of 15 and she enlightens me with her light and perserverence at such a young age! 

Join me in supporting the American Heart Association!

I’m not just walking. I’m Heartwalking for them and all who are in/directly impacted.  Championing 100 Years of Fighting to SAVE Lives! Together, we can make healthier, longer lives possible for everyone. 

Thank you in advance for your support!