When Shelbe Hudson had her first stroke at the age of 25, it was the last thing she expected to happen to her. Her initial symptoms were headaches and changes in vision, which she largely dismissed as effects of her job and too much screentime. As the symptoms persisted, she waited. She celebrated the Fourth of July with her … Read more
Decades ago, when Michael Lo Presti first began his running career, he started seeing the usual positive results that come with this healthy habit… but one troubling symptom persisted. His blood pressure was consistently measuring high. It turned out he was living with an undiagnosed congenital heart defect. A heart ultrasound revealed the cause of the … Read more
American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact winners lead change through fundraising and philanthropy Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, but according to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Two area individuals have successfully channeled their energy and passion … Read more
“I will never get tired of talking about it,” Maddy Ferriter, of Clarence said of her stroke. “It taught me that no one is ever too young to undergo any kind of medical event. I am living proof.” On January 23, 2023, everything seemed normal as Maddy prepared for her AP Calculus midterm during her … Read more
Ashley Boyea is no stranger to the trials and tribulations that come with cardiac issues. When Ashley was in her 20s, she started experiencing shortness of breath, thinking her asthma was flaring up. However, she got checked out, and her doctor diagnosed her with sick sinus syndrome, which is a condition that disrupts the function … Read more
October 5, 2022 was a typical day for Donnese Tyler – packed with business appointments, personal obligations and the Mother’s Club meeting at her sons’ high school. Little did she know that night her life would change forever. At the end of the meeting, Donnese felt pressure and pain in her chest and suddenly became … Read more
On Thursday, June 17, 2021, the American Heart Association (AHA) of Greater Maryland hosted its annual Go Red for Women luncheon, digitally, for the second year in a row due to lingering COVID-19 restrictions. Regardless of the format, it remained a powerful time where, just shy of 100 ladies across Baltimore came together to be … Read more
April 3, 2019 began like any other day for Charlie Nordhoff. Little did he know that his life would change forever and he would be saved through CPR, thanks to the quick, life-saving actions of his colleagues. Charlie did not recognize that he was having a heart attack, nor did he recognize any symptoms of … Read more
Hi! I am Mike Mathis. In August 2017, at the age of 50, I had a “widow maker” heart attack and survived. Everything went right that day. From the decision to have my wife drive me to the hospital, to the ER Doctors and Staff not giving up on me, even after 40 minutes. I … Read more
I am a survivor. I am a 40-year-old mom of three boys, a hairless Chinese crested and black cat and at the age of 33, I suffered my first silent stroke. I was employed with an organization that presented extremely intense situations daily. While I loved my career greatly and especially adored my colleagues, I … Read more
I’m A Survivor It was April 11, 2009, a normal Saturday morning. I lived alone and had just gotten up to let my two dogs out. My brother worked close by on the weekends and he had just called me to ask a favor. I told him I would go brush my teeth then do … Read more
When faced with challenges recovering from heart disease or stroke, it’s important to have emotional support. That’s why volunteers, staff and heart attack survivors visited the advanced heart failure floor of Norfolk Sentara Heart Hospital and the cardiac rehabilitation program at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare in Hampton Roads to deliver “healing heart” cards to cardiac patients … Read more
This year I have decided to include myself on the list-yes, a Valentine to me from me. To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure how to begin “gifting” myself. But I have learned and am continuing to learn how important self-care and self-love is and I felt this would be fitting. I am a busy … Read more