Help us raise money

12 October 2023 started out a normal virtual workday.  I decided to take a break and went to put linens in the closet.  All of sudden an overwhelming sensation came over me, I got light-headed, and my throat started hurting.  Thinking the feeling would pass, I went to lay down.  I then decided something was wrong and called out to my husband.  As soon as he came upstairs and looked at me, he immediately called 911!  I was conscience but a little out of it and couldn’t keep my eyes open.  I recall the first responder taking my husband into the master bathroom, telling him I was experiencing a heart attack.  Still out of it and not being able to keep my eyes open.   I could still hear and remember thinking, who’s having a heart attack…ME!  After four hours of surgery, I am blessed to say that I AM A SCAD SURVIOUR! 

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is a little known and poorly understood cause of a heart attack. Most patients are young, healthy and active women who do not have the typical risk factors of heart disease.  SCAD can recur and can be fatal. 

Since recovering, I was looking for ways to spread awareness about this lesser-known type of heart attack and have been assisting in organizing the SCADaddle 5k race in Solomon’s Island, MD.  I am so excited to be a part of the inaugural race in my hometown area! I would love for you to join my team Linda’s Heart Beats and/or donate to this great cause. 

All donations go to dedicated SCAD Research at the Mayo Clinic to help identify the cause(s) and the best treatment options.