During family vacation, 39-year-old mother's heart stopped at a water park
Feb 7, 2025
Thanks to first responders and months of rehabilitation, Tara Yell returned to her kids at home and at school after having a cardiac arrest.
Stories From the Heart
This series from American Heart Association News chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
This Girl Scout labeled her dad 'My Hero' on her phone. 11 days after learning CPR, she became his hero.
Jan 31, 2025
Four days after her 11th birthday, Vada Carawan of Virginia Beach, Virginia, had the composure and presence of mind to start CPR when her dad's heart stopped.
She thought she had food poisoning. She was bleeding in her brain.
Jan 29, 2025
From urgent care to eye doctor to the emergency room, Julie Ferris-Tillman finally received a diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke.
Rare condition caused teen dancer's heart to stop on stage
Jan 23, 2025
Noelle Hunter had a cardiac arrest while performing with her studio's dance team. Recovery wasn't easy but her determination to dance again kept her going.
College pals gathered in a remote cabin. When one went into cardiac arrest, another saved him.
Jan 21, 2025
Athletic Oregonian Tyson Yeck went into cardiac arrest during a guys weekend. His friend did CPR until first responders restored his heart rhythm with an AED.
Teen's face went numb at the start of a calculus exam. Another migraine? No. A stroke.
Jan 15, 2025
During what she thought was a migraine episode, Maddy Ferriter had a stroke due to an undiagnosed heart defect.
Fitness instructor bounced back quickly from a heart attack at 39
Jan 10, 2025
Jason Shaw was in the best shape of his life when he had a heart attack that led to double bypass surgery.
When college senior's heart stopped while playing basketball, help happened to be nearby
Jan 7, 2025
Jio Rodriguez had a cardiac arrest while playing basketball with friends. The quick actions of first responders – who just happened to be next door – helped save him.
At 31, she had a heart attack while cycling in the Rocky Mountains
Jan 2, 2025
Despite her fitness level, Carrie Lehtonen couldn't outpace her family's heart history.
After recovering from heart failure related to pregnancy, she went on to game show glory
Dec 20, 2024
Cheryl Stokes of North Carolina had peripartum cardiomyopathy. What she learned prompted her to educate other women about heart health.