Category: Uncategorized
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Hope at the Heart of Recovery: Jeffrey Luckenbach
Jeffrey Luckenbach is a Mended Hearts member and retired educator and coach. In 2021 he suffered a heart attack. He shares his story of recovery and hope for the future below. My journey as a heart failure patient is an atypical one. I have a strong family history of heart disease but I…
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From Disheartened to Dedicated – Taking on Heart Failure
By Merck, in partnership with Mended Hearts Robin and Ray knew something was wrong with their health. Robin woke up one morning feeling nauseous and sweaty with numb hands and feet, and Ray thought he had a bout of pneumonia that wasn’t getting better. They both moved quickly to consult their doctor. While they were…
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New Beginning at 71
By Delilah Nosek Starting in 2004, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The prognosis was not good. With the cardiologist tweaking the medications and doing the cardiac rehabilitation, I was having the quality of life I desired. Enjoyment of life was good until 2019 when I noticed a significant decline in my health. Simple…
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2022 Share Your Heart Essay Contest Winner: 18+ Age Group
Now, for the moment you all have been waiting for—our Share Your Heart® essay and poetry contest winners are in. Again, this year, we want to thank EVERY person who submitted a poem or essay. It takes courage to share, and it means so much. Please remember that this contest was designed to allow children…
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2022 Share Your Heart Essay Contest Winner: Grade 9-12 Group
Now, for the moment you all have been waiting for—our Share Your Heart® essay and poetry contest winners are in. Again, this year, we want to thank EVERY person who submitted a poem or essay. It takes courage to share, and it means so much. Please remember that this contest was designed to allow children…
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2022 Share Your Heart Essay Contest Winner: Grade 6-8 Group
Now, for the moment you all have been waiting for—our Share Your Heart® essay and poetry contest winners are in. Again, this year, we want to thank EVERY person who submitted a poem or essay. It takes courage to share, and it means so much. Please remember that this contest was designed to allow children…
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Life After a Heart Failure Diagnosis: Ray’s Inspiring Mission
By Merck, in partnership with Mended Hearts® One night in 2013, Ray woke up his wife Wini after being unable to fall asleep. Wini was concerned and noticed swelling in Ray’s legs. She insisted they go to the hospital immediately. At the hospital Ray received shocking news: his doctor told him that he was currently…
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Lessons Learned While Competing Collegiately with a Heart Condition
By Tori Geiger I am so blessed that I was able to compete as a college athlete while having a congenital heart defect. Even though it was a blessing, competing at a higher level did come with its challenges. My athletic career included playing volleyball my freshman year of college and competing in track as…
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Getting Back on the Bike: A TAVR Procedure Story
By Jack Huber Early in 2015, my doctor detected a heart murmur. After I had an MRI and an echocardiogram done, he recommended that I see a cardiologist. The cardiologist diagnosed me as having moderate aortic stenosis. My situation was complicated by having a bicuspid aortic valve — instead of the normal three leaflets,…