Ray is 66 and lives in Pasadena, California. He has retired from television broadcasting and currently spends his time traveling, working on various personal projects and staying healthy. Ray writes in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Eli Gold is a Senior Occupational Therapist and Stroke Program Co-Champion at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Savannah. You can read more about life after stroke on the American Stroke Association’s website. The American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative is nationally sponsored by Encompass Health.
Lupita Garcia-Zarate was 28 years old and in her third trimester of pregnancy when she experienced a cardiac emergency and heart failure. Today – two years later – she works in finance and enjoys baking, traveling, spinning, evening walks with her daughter and pet dog while enjoying the beautiful Arizona sunsets. She is grateful every single day for having the opportunity to raise her daughter and see her grow into a beautiful and strong woman.
Ashley Lucchese went into cardiac arrest at her office, telling a coworker that she felt dizzy before passing out. The coworker performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) which saved Ashley’s life. The coworker had learned CPR two days earlier. Ashley had experienced a miscarriage four days before, so her body was weak. Doctors placed her in a coma, and she remained in the hospital for three weeks. Ashley, now 36 and living in Woburn, Massachusetts, struggled emotionally at first but decided to support fellow survivors and help with education about CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Charley Bednarsh is a mom of two adult sons, and grandmother to three granddaughters, ages 15 years, 12 years, and 14 months. Charley is Director Of Children’s Services at the Brooklyn Family Justice Center (BKFJC); Charley’s dog, Atticus, is an 85 lb. Australian Labradoodle, who is a registered therapy dog providing support for the youngest victims/witnesses of gender-based violence served at the BKFJC. Charley is also an American Heart Association volunteer, aiding with the Association’s new Don’t Die of Doubt campaign. Don’t Die of Doubt is supported nationally by Medtronic.
Erin Hernandez is a mom of three who is passionate about reaching out to other parents of kids born with a congenital heart defect.
From Chicago, Illinois, Christine was diagnosed in 2009 with a leaky mitral valve, a condition that can put added stress on the heart. By late 2012, the condition had worsened, causing her heart to become enlarged as it worked harder to move blood between its chambers. Doctors recommended open-heart surgery to repair the valve before her condition became worse. Her recovery was difficult, but Christine triumphed. Today, she inspires other to live a healthy lifestyle no matter the odds, and you’ll regularly find her at the gym, kickboxing and more.
At the age of 45, Jessica Withers was surprised to discover she had mitral stenosis. Valvuloplasty opened up the valve and her life has not been the same since. She works at Cornell University Library and spends most of her free time writing and enjoying being alive.
This guest blog post is by Sarah Limbert, R.D.N., L.D., a member of Kroger Health’s dietitian team.
Kimberly Goodloe is a Heart Valve Ambassador for the American Heart Association. She had her aortic valve replaced at age 42 and now is passionate about educating others. Learn more about her work on her website.
Thanks for checking out the Support Network.
It’s time to join!
We appreciate your review of the Support Network.
Click here to add your name, primary condition and basic information to be a valuable member. And get personalized content, just for you!
