American Heart Association Survivor Breakfast

This summer I have been working as the communications intern for the American Heart Association in New York City and today we hosted our first annual Survivor Breakfast. This event brought together survivors and caretakers that volunteer for the American Heart Association to share their stories, meet other survivors and volunteers to learn about how they can become more involved.

All the survivor’s unique stories were extremely touching and inspiring. Each survivor spoke about how their experience with heart disease or stroke changed their perspective on life. They explained how they were able to take their lives back and become the same person that they were before their surgery or cardiac event. The survivors also stressed that heart disease and stroke can happen to anyone and spoke about how important it is for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms. If symptoms are recognized early on, the victim has a higher chance of survival.

The survivors also spoke about how the American Heart Association has impacted their lives. Many of the survivors stated that if it wasn’t for the American Heart Association, they would not be alive. They explained that because of the research and advocacy done by the organization, their doctors were more educated and aware on what to do.

The survivors also spoke about the huge impact the American Heart Association has had on their lives. Most of the survivors claimed the research and dedication of the American Heart Association is the reason that they are living. That is why getting involved and volunteering with organizations like the American Heart Association is so important.

Today, I was able to see the impact that the American Heart Association has on individual’s lives firsthand. I got to hear the stories of people that had life-changing, near death experiences and see how far they have come. By simply donating your time, you are given the chance to see the effect that your efforts had on another person, and that is special.

Get involved and volunteer with the American Heart Association at nycvolunteer@heart.org