If You Could See Into My Heart... Meet five women who give us a peek into all of the things that make their hearts sing through the good and bad times.
By Tiffany White Photos by Melissa Donald Makeup by Stephani Jones, Z Salon and Spa
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Heart Health 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
“The peace comes when you face your fears...” — Angie Andriot, who suffered a heart attack at age 40
Pictured: Angie Andriot. See more about Angie on page 10.
Today’s Woman / Heart Health 2020
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espite having three heart attacks in the last two years, Kara Whobrey remains devoted to living a happy life and is helping others do the same. Kara says having heart disease has strengthened the rapport between her and her patients. “I’ve gained a greater appreciation for being on the patient side versus the nurse side. I am able to educate my patients better instead of preaching at them. I am more relatable to them because of what we have in common.”
My heart’s passion...
“Being a mom, wife, and nurse has always been important to me. I am family-oriented and want to be a good role model for my children. I want to show them love, and I make it my life’s work to help other people during their worst times.”
My heart loves...
“Luke (age 12) and Jake (age 11). I don’t want my kids to end up in the same situation so I make sure they are living a healthy lifestyle, and I decrease stress as much as I can.”
My heart beats faster...
“When I think about my boys growing up without a mom because of heart disease. But it also beats faster when I see how much they admire me because of how strong I’ve become and what I’ve had to overcome.”
My heart is telling me...
“No matter what obstacles are thrown at me or how hard it is to overcome, we have a greater power looking over us. There is a plan for all of us and a reason why our hearts continue to beat.” KARA WHOBREY, 38
Manager of Clinical Services VNA Home Health KARA IS WEARING: Blouse, $129, available at Talbots, 502.423.9445
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Heart Health 2019 / TodaysWomanNow.com
W
hen Shelly Bergan went to the gynecologist for a hysterectomy in 2013, she didn’t expect to be diagnosed with a heart murmur. “The gynecologist found the murmur and had her nurse schedule an appointment for me to see a cardiologist that was in the same building. She said, ‘Don’t miss this appointment, because anything else you have going on with what you are here to see me for is secondary,’” she says. Results from a heart catheterization showed Shelly had blockages in multiple arteries, which, unbeknownst to her, had caused a mild heart attack. After her diagnosis, Shelly had open-heart surgery.
My heart’s passion...
“is to be active as a grandmother. One of my grandchildren is 2 years old and very active. If the situation had been different, and I had not gotten this diagnosis, I wouldn’t have been able to keep up with him.”
My heart loves...
“being able to share my story with as many people as possible. I think it is extremely important as a woman, because our symptoms are much different from men...people want to have this conversation."
My heart beats faster... “When I see other people happy.”
My heart is telling me...
“to be thankful for having a doctor who was paying attention. My gynecologist didn’t have to do a physical. She could have scheduled my hysterectomy and if she had, I might not have survived.” SHELLY BERGAN, 55 Director of Operations at Puritan Apartments
SHELLY IS WEARING: Blouse, $36, available at Macy’s at Oxmoor Center, 502.423.3000
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Heart Health 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
Today’s Woman / Heart Health 2020
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en years ago, Regan Judd was on the University of Kentucky dance team when she began to have heart problems. “I had chest pain and shortness of breath. I was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect, and my doctor said it was just a matter of time before I became a statistic,” she says. At age 20, Regan had open-heart surgery, but it didn’t slow her down. She has become an advocate for the American Heart Association on a national and local level.
My heart’s passion...
is “helping others be aware of heart health and saving lives through telling my story. I wanted to work for Medtronic, because I have one of their products in my heart. Now I sell an insertable cardiac monitor for people who have suspected arrhythmias. It is implanted underneath the skin. I get to be in on the procedures and help educate the patient and their family about the device.”
My heart loves...
“Being down at my parents’ farm with family and friends enjoying the outdoors. We ride 4-wheelers, hunt, and have a lot of community gatherings.”
My heart beats faster...
“When I think about the future. Although I have a clean bill of health, there is always the future that is unknown.”
My heart is telling me...
“Everything that has happened in my life — even if it starts out bad — always ends up better than I imagined. I used to ask myself, ‘Why me?,’ but now the experience has really shown me more blessings than I could have thought from the surgery and lessons learned.” REGAN JUDD, 30
Sales Representative at Medtronic
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REGAN IS WEARING: Blouse, $90, available at Dillard’s at Mall St. Matthews, 502.893.4400 Heart Health 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
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ngie Andriot didn’t fit the typical profile of a heart disease patient. “I wasn’t overweight. I’ve never smoked. My cholesterol has always been enviable, and I don’t have diabetes.” But two years ago, she had a heart attack while wrapping Christmas presents. “At first I just felt weird like I wasn’t entirely in my body. Then there was a huge pressure in my back like an ache. I got hot and clammy and then it hurt to breathe. It wasn’t until right at the end that I had any chest or arm pain.” Angie had complete blockage in her main artery and was in congestive heart failure for eight months. “Part of my heart died, however, I now have 50 percent heart function, and I am back to an almost-normal life. Every day is a gift.”
My heart’s passion...
“is developing relationships with my family, co-workers, friends, and church members. My work, hobbies, and interests are all important, but in the end, it’s the people who I reach and the people who reach me. We change each other, and that is our legacy. What we leave behind is our effect on people."
My heart loves...
“Creativity. After my heart attack, I wanted to process what had happened to me, but it was challenging because my heart attack happened in my art room at home. I couldn’t go into that room for a year, so finding ways to be creative and to process everything became important. I did a lot of crafts, and I wrote. Now I’ve started going back into my art room. I’ve started painting again.”
My heart beats faster...
“When I am pushing my limit emotionally and physically. When I am at the edges of what I feel comfortable with. I think it is important to test those boundaries and keep extending those boundaries of comfort. Seeing that ability to go up a flight of stairs or make it through a day without taking a nap — that was fulfilling for me.”
My heart is telling me...
“True peace comes when you’ve faced your fears. If you can’t stop being afraid, do it scared. My emotions should not be a barrier to my actions.” ANGIE ANDRIOT, 42
Research Analyst for Presbyterian Church USA
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ANGIE IS WEARING: Blouse, $79 , available at Dillard’s at Mall St. Matthews, 502.893.4400; earrings, $75, available at Circe, 502.894.0095 Heart Health 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
— Sheila L. Carter, President
Today’s Woman / Heart Health 2020
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eah Eggers was baffled by the severe migraines, dizziness, and fatigue she had been experiencing for 6 months. A bubble echocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram showed that she had a large hole in her heart — a congenital heart condition called PFO/Atrial Septal Defect. Leah, who was 40 at the time, had a septal occluder device implanted to close the hole. Because she has a family history of heart disease, she says she gets regular check-ups to monitor her heart health. “Although it’s challenging with a busy lifestyle and schedule, I try to live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. I love to travel, play competitive tennis with friends, and enjoy taking long walks with my black Labrador named Murphy.”
My heart’s passion...
“is helping people and doing things for others. I try to give back, and I am active with the American Heart Association and other local non-profits. I have been a member of the AHA Circle of Red for years, and I am advising the newly formed AHA Associate Board. It’s so inspiring to see this fabulous group of young professionals give graciously of their time and support AHA’s important mission.” (see page 14)
My heart loves...
“Living life to the fullest. I love to travel and meet new people. I would encourage everyone to live life every day with no regrets. Travel, try new experiences, spend time with those you care about, give back, have fun, and don’t wait to do what you love. Life is short, and you never know when you won’t be in a position to do the things you want to do.”
My heart beats faster...
“When I’m surrounded by family and friends. I’m fortunate to be close to my family and have them all here in Louisville. I’m fortunate to have an amazing network, and I cherish the relationships that have helped me grow and made me a better person.”
My heart is telling me:
“It’s important that everyone, especially women, listen to their body, pay attention to changes in your health, and don’t ignore the signs or symptoms. Educate yourself on heart health, practice self-care, and look out for your loved ones.” LEAH EGGERS, 47
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at On Plane Consulting LEAH IS WEARING: Clothes not available for sale
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Heart Health 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
GO RED FOR WOMEN
Photo by Melissa Donald Photo by Melissa Donald
The Circle of Red is a group of volunteers who work together to help raise funds and awareness about heart disease and stroke in the community. To become a member, contact Karrie Harper at karrie.harper@heart.org or 502.371.6014.
Circle of Red Members: Clockwise from top center of heart: Mari-Elise Paul (2020 Go Red for Women Chair); Leah Eggers; Judith Petty; Pamela Alvey; Edith Wright; Terrian Barnes; Kimberlee Huffman; Renee Cecil; Pam Missi; Jill Bell; and Ruth Devore. Circle of Red members not pictured: Denise Jerome, Carol Lambert, Nancy Olzack, Judie Parks, Dr. Kristen Sell-Dottin, and Kim Tharp-Barrie.
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Heart Health 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com