Access to Care

Thirteen years ago, at the age of 30, Rachel suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in her doctor's office during a routine checkup. Thankfully, her doctor knew what was happening and Rachel was able to receive immediate lifesaving care. It was a long...

American Heart Association Advocate and Board Member Mary Cushman takes her role as an advocate seriously, advocating for state and federal policy priorities for the American Heart Association. As a physician and researcher, she knows both are important to preventing...

Written by Shannon Chamizo My name is Shannon Chamizo, I am a You’re The Cure advocate and a survivor. My sons and I became involved with the American Heart Association after I survived both cardiac arrest and a heart attack...

Katarina Weigel is sophomore-nursing student at Pace University. She’s also a sudden cardiac arrest survivor and alive thanks to CPR. "I don’t look like the face of sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, any time. The...

Having helped pass CPR in Schools legislation in Vermont, Michelle traveled to New York this month to push hard for their bill. Michelle talks about her experience working with fellow advocate Annette Adamczak below. When I went to my Lobby...

I am always so excited when our volunteers and advocates are recognized for their hard work! Diane Pickles was named by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) as an Unsung Heroine. The MCSW is an independent state...

Karen Dionne, Washington At age 37, I envisioned my whole life ahead of me as I was planning my wedding to Michael, the man of my dreams.  I was successful at my job as a sales representative at a golf...

Mark Dunham, Idaho I have been a lobbyist in Idaho since 1984. I was the CEO of the Idaho Association of REALTORS for almost 20 years, BSU’s lobbyist for 3 years, the Vice President of IACI, and starting in November...

Sheila Ramerman, Oregon Survivors of stroke can face enormous challenges as they recover and rehabilitate—physical, mental and emotional. And by their side are their loved ones, who care for them through it all. A stroke survivor’s family is often the...

I have always tried to make a difference in a patient’s life, but thanks to the American Heart Association, I can make a difference in lives of patient’s throughout Connecticut. I have been a Stroke Coordinator for the last 7...