Hello! I’m in my mid-40s and began having HCM symptoms in my early 20s, was officially
diagnosed at 27 and endured a heart transplant on NYE 2020. I’m living well with my new heart,
learning a new “normal,” gratefully raising a healthy, active 6 year old, while enjoying
volunteering here and in my local school community and starting back to work.
Being the first in my family with a heart condition, especially as a younger person, felt like a
slap in the face. Like most of us, the desire for invincibility plagued me.. but HCM is very real.
A string of unexpected passing out episodes (with concussions) led to getting my HCM
diagnosis and first ICD in my late 20s. I had a total 3 life-saving ICDs and received numerous
appropriate shocks over the years from incessant ventricular arrhythmias. Despite a colorful
cardiac journey, my late 20s and 30s were active years of working and living in and around
Chicago, enjoying a ton of travel with my husband and savoring life. There were peaks of
challenging times figuring out how much activity, work, stress and self-care I’d need. I sought
out care from HCM COEs and a solid team, which included the HCMA for support. And there
were valleys of calm where I was able to get on with life, start a family and be blessed with a
daughter. Inevitably, HCM had plans of it’s own for me and required heart transplantation.
I am beyond grateful to my family, village, and one incredible donor who selflessly shared the
gift of life with me and allow me to journey on.
I’d love to connect with you and currently volunteer as part of the HCMA Ambassadors and
Transplant Pathway support group.

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