My name is Sydelle Zinn. I was diagnosed with HCM at 53, after I became lightheaded on a trip to the zoo. My cardiologist made HCM real to me; no alcohol and no caffeine! I received a septal myectomy in June 2010. I live in Cleveland with my husband, who is a professor, and our daughter. I used to work at the National Institutes of Health, and currently volunteer in Cleveland's Jewish community. For years, HCMA has helped me navigate HCM. As a discussion group leader, I hope to reassure people new to HCM that we can live with this disease.