Survivor and Co-Survivor Stories

Missed or delayed diagnosis of heart disease can impact women of all ages. A mother shares her daughter’s story to inspire other women to know the signs and symptoms and advocate for themselves—before it’s too late. By Stephanie Guevara My daughter Melissa was the type of person who dropped everything for the people — and animals — she loved. Whether she was helping her twin sister, Emily, as she recovered from a stroke or saving stray dogs from the side of the highway, she always took care of everyone around her. Tragically, Melissa passed away from a heart attack at …

Patricia Bosak died at age 64 because her heart gave out. But that’s not what she should be remembered for, says her son, George. “She was the most selfless person in the world,” he says. “She gave me every avenue to make my dreams come true.” That meant driving him to hockey while he was growing up and sleeping in the parking lot while he practiced or played games late into the night so that he would one day realize his dream of playing professionally. When Patricia seemed confused at times, loved ones didn’t consider it a sign of heart …