I have always wanted to participate in the American Heart Association Heart Walk and considering the challenges I've faced this year with my health and recent pacemaker surgery, I figured this was the year to finally do it! This cause is very dear to me not only because of my own personal experience as a patient, but also because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Chances are everyone reading this post knows at least one person, if not more, that has been affected by heart disease. It is not just a disease of the elderly, it affects young people as well, which many often seem to forget. It truly is a very important issue as it affects us all. It does not discriminate against age, gender, race or ethnicity. Which is why it is so important to educate yourself and your loved ones about risk factors, symptoms to watch for, and healthy ways you can improve your lifestyle. You may not only save your own life, but those around you whom you hold most dear. I share my story in hopes of helping others and raising awareness. I was 14 years old when I was diagnosed with Complete Heart Block. I was born healthy with no known health problems and was a very active kid, playing every sport I could get my hands on. I was a competitive soccer player who had just finished training with the Olympic Development Team in Alabama just days before my diagnosis. I went to my PCP for my sports physical so I could try out for high school sports in my upcoming freshman year. My PCP heard a heart murmur she had never heard before (and hasn't again since) and sent me to the hospital for a routine EKG. She told me it was an "innocent murmur" and not to be worried and that this was just protocol. At the hospital they discovered I was in Complete Heart Block and my world forever changed that day. The cardiologist who delivered the news bluntly stated, "You should've dropped dead years ago on the soccer field. I don't know how you didn't." It was a rude awakening to my mortality and has forever changed how I look at life. They don't know what caused the Complete Heart Block and just guessed that perhaps it was from a childhood illness that for whatever reason attacked my AV node in my heart. They said I did nothing wrong and was just simply "unlucky." Nonetheless, for my 15th birthday I got my first pacemaker, no matter how badly I didn't want it. Definitely not the birthday gift I was hoping for. Lol I defied the odds (and doctor's orders) by returning to sports and playing soccer competitively, even though I was not supposed to play contact sports. However, it was never lost on me that I should've been another statistic and sad, tragic story of another athlete dropping dead on a sports field. For some reason, I was one of the lucky ones. However, I am strong in my faith and know it was truly Divine intervention. Apparently, God had other plans for me still. I feel compelled to pay it forward and do the best I can to help others while I'm here. I'm no different or better than any of those tragic stories you've heard about young athletes dying before their time, and therefore in their honor I try to live a full life and truly appreciate each moment, as I realize it could've easily all been taken away in seconds. It's been a rough road to say the least, however I'm grateful for the perspective it's given me on life and appreciation for the little things. I pray by sharing my diagnosis story that it may help others in some way and help raise awareness. I encourage you to educate yourself about heart disease and what you can do to mitigate your risk. I also encourage you to take a local CPR class. It's an essential skill for everyone to know and could truly save a life. I have attached my AHA Heart Walk information for this Saturday if any of you feel so inclined to donate. I would be sincerely grateful for any donation, big or small. Every little bit helps. I realize times are tough for everyone though so please do not feel obligated to donate if you are unable. Please just help spread awareness about heart disease so we can all help everyone live longer, healthier, happier lives! God bless!
~Nadine~
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9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital die. In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed. But we can change this.
Cardiac arrests happen at work, in homes, on athletic fields and in neighborhoods everywhere, and the readiness of our community can be the difference between life and death.
It's time to unite, take action, and save lives. Every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.
I Walk to Save Lives. Help me reach my goal today.