Continue reading Gianna’s story …

One week later my mother received a phone call from Midwest Heart Foundation stating that my test was abnormal. Abnormal? Me? This was really upsetting to me.  I was given a preliminary diagnosis of Long QT Syndrome, a condition that can stop my heart at any time without any warning.

My family had to be tested also because of this being inherited and their tests proved my mother also had it and never knew it. My sister was fine. This was devastating news! After the EKG’s were found to be suspicious, I was told that I could no longer do the things that I, as a normal teenager, loved to do until we knew exactly what this was. Swimming, competitive sports, roller coasters, haunted houses just to name a few. But since the diagnosis was confirmed I, knew I could never return to my old life again. The day I was told I had Long QT Syndrome is a day that will forever be etched in my mind because it was the day that changed my life forever. After a few months of experimenting with medication, my family and I made the difficult decision to have a cardio defibrillator implanted in my chest. This device will not cure this condition, but if my heart goes into a potentially fatal arrythmia, it will jump start my heart back up. I had my defibrillator implanted on December 3, 2009 and that brings me to today…

All I know is that if it wasn’t for The Midwest Heart Foundation Young Hearts for Life program, I might not be here today talking about this. They saved my life and gave me that second chance I was talking about. Now it’s my turn to help save lives. I want to help spread the word that The Young Hearts for Life program is the best thing that has ever happened to me and everyone should follow my example and be tested today. Who knows, they may save your life too!

Thank you,

Gianna D.