Barbara Bassin, 71, recounts her family’s history of heart disease. She highlights the importance of health advocacy, helping others understand and empathize with those affected by similar conditions.
25 years ago, Barbara Bassin’s brother, Bruce Bassin, collapsed and died from a heart attack while waiting in line at the Dulles Airport. Bruce was a husband, father, son, brother, and a dear friend to many. At the time he was leading the family business, MacArthur Beverages, a retailer of fine wine, spirits and beer based in Washington, DC. He was only 40 years old. “Perhaps the only thing worse than dying so young is possibly dying unnecessarily.” she noted.
When Bruce died in 1998, a time when AEDs (automated external defibrillators) were not readily available at the airport to help save his life. “Heart disease runs in my family,” Barbara explained. Her father had a heart attack at 34 but was lucky to survive that event. By age 60, he needed bypass surgery.
In 2019, Barbara experienced her first heart attack. Barbara was having extreme back pain and thought that she had just overexerted herself. She suffered from a STEMI (ST – Elevated Myocardial Infarction); a severe heart attack known as a “widow-maker.” She described the onset of her symptoms on a Friday while she was home in Bethesda. “I thought I shouldn’t have picked up my granddaughter, pushed that stroller up the hill, or eaten that food.” However, when getting checked by the doctors that same day, despite her concern, she was assured, “You are not having a heart attack.” She was given medicine and sent on her way.
The following day, she and her husband, Stan, headed to Outer Banks, North Carolina for a vacation. All weekend, her pain intensified until Monday evening, when the pain became too much to bear. Her husband quickly called 911. The local fire department responded and performed an EKG. Due to the severity of her condition, Barbara was transported by medevac to Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, VA, where medical personnel set in motion a life-saving plan for these types of heart attacks, based on guidelines created by the American Heart Association.
Four months later, Barbara suffered her second heart attack, this time in Bethesda, MD. When she went to the doctor, she was given a cortisone shot for back pain and sent home but her unwavering pain led to another 911 call and emergency room visit, where she was ultimately treated for a heart attack. “I survived!” she exclaimed.
For years, Barbara pondered why she survived not one, but two heart attacks and her brother did not. She emphasized the ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for heart disease and stroke patients made possible through the fundraising efforts of events like Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting & Auction. This event, a four-day celebration of wine and food, was created in tribute to her brother. Since its inception, Heart’s Delight has raised over $20 million in support of the American Heart Association. “The AHA hosts amazing fundraising events that educate and bring our community together to support a noble cause – and have fun! This organization also helps with legislation for access to AEDs and increased CPR and cardiac emergency response training across the country so that individuals experiencing cardiac arrest have a greater shot at survival.” she highlighted.
Barbara shares her family’s story in hopes of educating and providing hope for others who suffer from heart disease or stroke. “There are new protocols, that have helped so many people, including me.” Barbara also highlights that when expressing concern, women should be taken seriously. “Women have to take extra measures,” she explains.
Reflecting on her future, Barbara shared her uncertainties but refocused on her joy of family and living in the moment. “I think I just, I want to live. I just want to be here, be with my family, be with people I love, look out for others, and just hope I can live a long time.”
To get involved with the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region, visit: www.heart.org/dc.