tion classes were a challenge, as I was never anyone’s first pick. Despite this, I never let anyone drag me down, and since then, I have continued to work hard on my studies. Don’t ever let your body, inside or outside, define who you are. You are you. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had a stroke or a heart defect. Be who you are, and never let anything stop you from living life to the fullest.
Lynn Maatman, 74 Cincinnati, OH At age 73, havi n g b e e n s e l fd iscipl i ned at bot h exercise and healthy eating for 12 years, I was surprised and concerned at my lack of energy. A cardiologist diagnosed a mild leakage of my mitral valve, to be rechecked in three months. The next month during my husband’s pre-surgery appointment for his own heart valve issue, my symptoms resurfaced, and his surgeon strongly encouraged a second opinion. All four of my heart valves were leaking, and I had mini-mitral open-heart surgery. Today I’m extremely grateful for the grace of God and the knowledge and skills of my medical team. Women tend to be independent and self-sufficient. My advice is to pray first…then seek the help of others. Listen to your body. Know your symptoms and write them down for your doctor. Remember that women’s heart symptoms often differ from a man’s. Don’t discount what is happening as “nothing.”
Meka Butler, 39 Cincinnati, OH About two years ago, I sta r ted to feel “funny.” I felt con f used and weird, and my face and arm felt st ra nge. I t houg ht, “A m I having a stroke?” But I dismissed it thinking I was too young. Plus, my sy mptoms weren’t like the ones I saw on TV. I thought I was just tired and needed a nap, so I headed
to my bedroom to lie down. That’s when I dropped my cellphone and shattered the screen (something I never do). Immediately, I knew I had to get to a hospital. I was having a stroke. At the hospital, I found out I was having TIA’s, and while they were treating me for the TIA, I had the stroke that we all think about when we think about a stroke. The doctor said if I had taken a nap as planned, I may have never woken up. When you feel strange, or feel something is wrong, don’t explain it away. Get help.
Tabbatha Kelly, 49 Cincinnati, OH At age 44, I su f fered f rom congestive heart failure. No one k new what was happening to me, not even my doctor. I did not f it t he t y pica l profile. However, my hear t had been failing for t h r e e mont h s . After a vigorous medication plan, cardio rehab, and two years out of the woods, I thought I was home free. When April 2016 arrived, I was facing heart failure again. This time I was told the only medical provision left was a pacemaker/ defibrillator. I opted for the surgery and now consider myself the “bionic woman.” There is strength and victory in this disease. You have to choose not to be a victim. You can be victorious!
Wendy Dean, 50 Cincinnati, OH The same year Go Red for Women launched, in 2004, I survived a heart attack at age 35 and was diagnosed w ith coronary artery disease/atherosclerosis. My left anterior descendi ng a r ter y (t he w i d o w m a k e r) was 70 percent blocked. The diagonal and other smaller arteries had blockage, too. My heart is damaged but functioning normally with two stents and medications – making me exceedingly thankful for AHA funding and research. Until that day, I had no idea heart disease was the No. 1 killer of women. I never once suspected my fatigue and other symptoms were heart related. Know your family history; monitor and understand your blood pressure and cholesterol; be aware of trans-fats and sugar in your diet; manage anger and stress; and keep exercise and sleep at the top of your to-do list.
Do you know a woman who would like to share and be part of #RedDressStories? Email Go Red for Women director Courtney Martin at
Terri Kersey, 48 Cincinnati, OH In 2014, I climbed Mount Kilimanja ro i n A f r ica for seven days, and it was awesome. The next day we took an a w e -i n s p i r i n g safari trip. That evening, a f ter dinner, I had an ischemic (hemi) stroke. It was a week before I made it back to the United States for proper medical treatment. I want to empower other stroke survivors. Be active!
Courtney.martin@heart.org or call (513) 699-4224.
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