Help Kim raise money

As some of you know, ON May 23 I had a STEMI heart attack at work. It was caused by a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). Unlike a traditional heart attack, a tear in the wall of my LAD artery caused a 95% blockage of blood flow. SCAD is considered to be rare, accounting for just 1-4% of all heart attacks. BUT it is the LEADING cause for young women with no known risk factors, and the average age is just 42. I feel so lucky to live near Boston, where I have received phenomenal medical care. It has been shocking, however, to learn just how poorly understood SCAD is and how many medical professionals I’ve encountered who have never heard of it.

We need to raise awareness & understanding and I’d like to do my part. So this wildly vulnerable post has two functions. First, to raise awareness for women in my age group to live life as best you can but to listen to your bodies and don’t be ashamed to seek medical attention. A heart attack was the furthest thing from my mind as I was experiencing my symptoms (rapid breathing, dizziness, heaviness in my forearm, zero chest pain). I will forever be grateful for my school nurse, who insisted on calling an ambulance against my stubborn/naive instincts.

Secondly, in an effort to help raise funds for SCAD research, I will be participating virtually in the 7th Annual 2023 5k SCADaddle for Research. If you are able, please consider giving to this important cause. There are some groundbreaking SCAD studies happening at the Mayo Clinic and your donations will help to keep those, and others, going. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the love and support ❤️