It is heart awareness month. This disease affects many including myself. 

If it was not for the investments made in research, education and infrastructure, I would not be writing this.

21 years ago (March 2002) I had a heart attack by a blood clot formed at the top of my Left Anterior Descending artery (commonly referred to as the widow maker). Thankfully the ER at the Markham Stouville Hospital took immediate action when I arrive through their doors, was able to resuscitate me (the paddles), gave me TPA (liquid draino for your arteries) and stabilized me for an emergency angioplasty and stent at nearby Sunnybrook Hospital.

I was 34 Years young.

April 2020 (yes 1 month into the pandamic shutdown) after experiencing angina with exertion, I went to the cath lab here at the Saint John Regional Hospital and they found and fixed a 90% blockage in the exact same spot as before.

I was likely weeks away from another heart attack

Dec 27th 2021 (yes the day after Boxing Day) I went to the ER with all too familiar symptoms and through the fast thoughtfull actions of the staff at Saint John Hospital and access to the cath lab for an emergency angioplasty and stent (this time in another artery)

I survived another heart attack. 3 others that night were not so lucky. 

I try and treat every day as a gift and like it could be my last.  

I share my story to add to the awareness that this disease and it’s impact is real and by supporting great organizations like Heart & Stroke NB we can help change the course of many many lives.