Born with a severe heart defect, 9-year-old defies all odds
Jul 9, 2021
At 9, Bennett Sayles has survived five open-heart surgeries and countless other procedures, all with a smile.
Stories From the Heart
This series from 秘密研究所 News chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
Fit and 41, she thought nothing of her family history 鈥� until her heart attack
Jul 7, 2021
Nicole Lazowski figured that not smoking, eating well and staying in shape was enough to stop heart disease. Doctors said her healthy lifestyle wasn't enough to avoid a heart attack, but it probably saved her.
Diagnosed with preeclampsia late in pregnancy, she had a stroke 5 days after giving birth
Jul 1, 2021
Andrea Engfer developed preeclampsia late in pregnancy, leading to an early birth of her daughter, Emma. Less than a week later, Andrea had a stroke.
Doctor thought high blood pressure was his only problem 鈥� then he had a heart attack
Jun 28, 2021
When Dr. David Watlington learned he had high blood pressure, he took medicine and changed his diet. He made progress quickly, yet not in time to prevent a heart attack.
After a stroke at 26, determined athlete fights back
Jun 24, 2021
Former college soccer player Jesse Shea was in the best shape of his life when he had a stroke. After months of relearning to walk and talk, he ran a half-marathon.
Teacher collapsed in school hallway from a stroke
Jun 22, 2021
Nicky Larson ignored shoulder pain while making Halloween treats for her daughter鈥檚 day care. The next day, she had a stroke.
At 17, he received a new heart. By 23, he began transitioning.
Jun 18, 2021
Born with a rare heart condition, Maddox Jones had two open-heart surgeries and a new heart by 17. Then began his next journey, securing his transplant team's approval to take testosterone and begin transitioning.
At 27, she collapsed in the shower from a stroke
Jun 16, 2021
Veronica Cardello struggled to accept she'd had a stroke at 27. Then, doctors struggled to find the cause.
Video gaming helps heart defect survivor connect with others in the LGBTQ community and beyond
Jun 11, 2021
Congenital heart defect survivor Mike Lane uses his platform as a gaming influencer to connect with others and raise awareness about heart disease.
His grandpa and mom died of the same heart condition he has
Jun 8, 2021
Jimmy Fremgen was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that caused the deaths of his grandfather and mother. Today, the Sacramento-based advocate raises awareness about heart disease.