The “Quiet” side of a heart attack/heart disease

The other day my husband asked me a simple question, do you know of any farmers who’ve had a heart attack or heart disease? The reason being that it was heart month and his organization wanted to do an interview. I jumped at the opportunity to reach out to my fellow heart attack “survivors” to find someone who would like to share their story and … nothing. What I discovered is that not everybody likes to share their experiences around heart issues. It made me ask myself why? I’m an open book when it comes to my heart attack but what I found out is that this is not always the case.

It made me start to ask a few questions. Are farmers just stoic people who don’t want to share? Is it about gender, women like to talk more? Don’t get mad at me for that last comment. We all know it’s true… well, at least for me. If we talk about our heart issues does that make us weak? Will people judge us because we had a heart attack? Will people think if only he/she would have taken better care of themselves this wouldn’t have happened? If people know my story will it limit my employment opportunities? Will people treat me different and be afraid to be around me?

I won’t pretend to know the right answers to these questions but one thing is for sure, we need to talk and heal. Through sharing our stories we become part of a unique community who have had a traumatic event and lived to tell about it.

My goal for the last four years has been to find other people like me. But because a heart attack is something that happens on the inside with no outward signs its hard to find other survivors. I wish it was as easy as somebody wearing a name tag that says “Hi my name is Melissa and I’m a heart attack survivor”. Many organizations, for example Susan G. Komen, have a big presence nationwide and are well established. You see the color pink and think cancer. There are many groups and volunteers within this organization that are there to help people go through the cancer journey. This is not necessarily true within the heart realm. I have struggled for years on how to go about organizing groups of heart attack survivors. Do I stand outside Cardiac Rehab and grab people as they come out? Hey want to join my group?? Do I put up posters at the cardiology offices? Or, simply by word of mouth? Who would have thought that people who have heart attacks or heart disease would be so hard to find? Did you know nearly 48% of all Americans have cardiovascular disease? https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190131084238.htm Look to the person next to you, chances are one of you is impacted. So no matter who it might be from a farmer to a young women people need to talk and share their stories. Why you ask? Because we can’t live in silence and pretend it didn’t happen. Although our heart is internal with no external signs it impacts all aspects of our lives. By simply talking and sharing your story you are helping others to heal and not feel isolated. We can’t be afraid to ask for help or simply be a friend to listen or lend an ear.

I’m excited to say that on February 29th I will be meeting with other “Survivors” for the first time to have coffee and talk. Currently, this group is just a few but my dream is to have many others join us. If you are interested in joining feel free to let me know

Survivor turns advocate

How crazy to think I will be coming up on my two-year heart attack anniversary. The days of worry and wondering 'will it be today?' are becoming less frequent. I no longer ponder going to bed at night and worrying that I might not wake up.

It may sound cheesy, but I'm a new me. No longer letting my heart attack define me but guide me to a place of advocacy. A place where I can let my "crazy experience" help others and brings funds and awareness to a great cause. I've referenced this number before, but 1 in 3 women will die from heart disease or stroke compared to 1 in 30 who will die from breast cancer. This statics are unacceptable and need to be changed!

(Photo courtesy of American Heart Association)

So I have this little thing called a family. Family, we all know causes us to be an Uber driver, Chef, maid, mom, wife, and master of none. So why would I take on these extra responsibilities?  I believe in giving back. And I can't think of a better organization that supports people and families that have been impacted by heart disease and stroke. Many times we all wonder how there can be enough hours in the day to do what's required of us none the less add more.  I've decided to become chair of the Go Red for Women Silent Auction Committee and be a member of the Circle of Red. These new areas will allow me to give back to an amazing organization the American Heart Association.

The support the American Heart Association has given me at not only a national but local level has been extraordinary. The AHA has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people along the way. The two areas where I will be volunteering are the Go Red for Women Silent Auction Committee Chair and Circle of Red. Go Red for Women is a part of the American Heart Association that "encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life."

The Circle of Red Circle of Red is a society of women who have the passion, the motivation and inspiration to drive and influence change in the community regarding heart health of women in their community and across the country. Circle of Red Women help support the mission of Go Red For Women® by making a personal financial commitment to the movement.

Shortly, I'm looking forward to working with other staff and volunteers to raise the awareness of heart disease and stroke. And I plan on this being my mission for many years to come.  Don't feel like you have to wait to get involved until you are personally affected.. start today! If you are interested in getting involved or learning more, please visit the American Heart Associations website or call your local chapter. #LIFEISWHY #FAMILYISWHY #CARINGISWHY #CUREISWHY

And don't forget to wear RED on February 2nd, 2018!!