This police detective sergeant saves lives. His wife saved his.
May 28, 2024
Rafaelito Cruz had a cardiac arrest while sleeping. Now, he's back at work and has an implanted defibrillator in case his heart stops again.
Stories From the Heart
This series from American Heart Association News chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
After a pre-gig heart attack, New Jersey musician embraces exercise
May 24, 2024
Trombonist and singer Tommy Meares had a heart attack at home before a gig. Doctors unclogged his arteries and Meares soon became an enthusiastic regular at cardiac rehabilitation.
Son's heart diagnosis may have saved dad's life
May 20, 2024
Soon after birth, doctors discovered Elias Soto had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genetic testing showed his dad, Rafael, also had it – and it was severe.
At 6, she was a pioneering heart patient. Nearly 7 decades later, she fully appreciates it.
May 16, 2024
Cindy Allen-Stuckey was one of the first children to have heart defect surgery in the 1950s. A few years ago, she learned how groundbreaking her surgery was.
Dancer had fainting spells for 18 years. Going into cardiac arrest finally led to a diagnosis.
May 14, 2024
Terrianne Zonca was at her grandfather's funeral in Hawaii when her heart stopped. She survived and was diagnosed with long QT syndrome.
Nurse practitioner's quick action saves community garden pioneer
May 10, 2024
When Joyce Moty showed signs of a stroke, her friend and fellow gardener knew she needed medical care immediately.
Born with a heart defect, baby soon had seizures, stroke and more
May 7, 2024
Dax Serbin was born with tetralogy of Fallot. After heart surgery at 11 days old, the now-5-year-old has met every developmental milestone.
Just as she started a nursing career, 2 strokes changed the course of her life
May 2, 2024
With a loving partner, supportive family and a newfound joy in participating in charity walks, Precious Guan continues to recover from two strokes.
Quick action on the golf course resulted in rapid recovery from stroke
Apr 30, 2024
When George Richards couldn’t use his left arm, his friend immediately recognized the symptoms of a stroke. Within an hour, a clot was removed from his brain.
Even after his cardiac arrest, doctor-comedian finds things to laugh about
Apr 25, 2024
Cardiac arrest survivor Will Flanary and his wife and co-survivor, Kristin, have taken their medical dramedy on the road.