Meet Kathryn O'Neill - diagnosed with Brugada Syndrome and a member of the American Heart Association's 'Go Red Survivor Class.' She shares with us, her important story.

In 2009, Kathryn was diagnosed with an unknown heart condition that can cause fatal arrhythmia, called Brugada Syndrome. It is also known as the "sudden death syndrome." Kathryn's brother passed away from an unknown heart condition. She also lost her father from a heart attack.

Both Kathryn and her sister tested positive for the disease, and now have defibrillators helping their heart beat 'correct.'

Kathryn says it has been very emotional going through all this. She says she tries to live her life to the fullest - and tries not to pay attention to the fact that she has a defibrillator, or the fact that she will always need surgery for a new one (about every 8 to 10 years).

She shares with us why she is a part of the American Heart Association's "Go Red Survivor Class," which you can see in the video at the top of this page.

If you would like to honor Kathryn O'Neill as a local survivor, you can donate here.

Over the next few weeks, we will be spotlighting other local survivors and sharing their stories, as we get closer to the Go Red for Women Luncheon. You can get details about the luncheon and how you can be a part of the cause, at the link below:

You can also hear other local survivor stories - Others that are members of the American Heart Association's "Go Red Survivor Class," by clicking the link below:

 

 


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