My name is Olivia Richardson and I am a two-time stroke survivor, former LVAD patient, and heart-transplant recipient. I was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and had my first stroke at the age of 25. This was a shock to me because I had always been an athlete and been healthy all my life. After my
The American Heart Association of Southern New England (AHA) is pleased to introduce the Heart2Heart Storytellers Class of 2020. The Heart2Heart Storytellers feature the stories of several local women across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, who have experienced heart disease and stroke, and are courageously sharing their journey to help other women. Each of these
My name is Zoe Sher. I have had an atrial septal defect my whole life – all 8 years. I recently had heart surgery to close it because the cardiologist said my heart was getting too big. Before my surgery, I was excited to hear that I needed to have surgery, but on the day
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the leading birth defect in Maine children, however many parents of these children report feeling alone when their child is diagnosed. To help connect families across Maine and to provide a fun day for children with CHDs, the American Heart Association is hosting its 5th annual “Little Heart Hero Day”