Survivor stories

THIS IS BONNI’S STORY

Bonni Brodnick:
Proud Stroke Survivor

I was driving on Interstate 95 at 65 mph when I had a stroke. I was left unable to walk or speak.

In my memoir, My Stroke in the Fast Lane: A Journey to Recovery, I reveal what it is like to be in the body of someone who has suffered from a stroke.

After several hospital stays and much physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation, I was able to resume what I call “my magnificent life.”

In my book appearances, I discuss how cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. We must all educate ourselves about cardiovascular disease and strive to live heart healthy lives.

THIS IS PHALEYA’S STORY

Phaleya Burnside:
Attorney, Advocate, and Heart Disease Survivor

Phaleya Burnside is an attorney, advocate, and heart disease survivor whose journey highlights resilience, awareness, and the importance of listening to one’s body, especially for women.

At 27 years old, during her third year of law school, Phaleya underwent open heart surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital to repair an atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital heart condition in which a hole between the heart’s upper chambers disrupts normal blood flow, causing oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix and forcing the heart to work harder than it should. Although often undiagnosed until adulthood, her condition became impossible to ignore when she began experiencing persistent, daily heart palpitations that disrupted her ability to function normally.

Just two days after surgery, she suffered a stroke, an unexpected complication that profoundly reshaped her life. Balancing rehabilitation, law school, and the emotional toll of a major medical trauma required resilience she didn’t yet know she possessed.

Today, Phaleya practices law with a renewed sense of purpose, navigating her career while remaining mindful of her heart disease and long term health. Her experience has influenced how she approaches both her work and her well being, prioritizing balance, intention, and advocacy.

THIS IS JENNIFER’S STORY

Jennifer Lentini:
A Heart Transplant and the Gift of Life

My journey with heart disease began when I was 13 years old. I started having severe stomach pains and went to my school’s nurse’s office every day. It felt like Groundhog Day. No one could find anything wrong, and my symptoms were dismissed as part of becoming a woman.

Eventually, I was sent to another emergency room. Doctors told my parents they were not sure what was wrong and planned exploratory surgery in my abdominal region because of the stomach pains.

During surgery, I went into cardiac arrest. Fortunately, the medical team was able to revive me. About two hours later, my parents received a call telling them I was dying of heart failure and that they needed to come say goodbye. I was only 13.

I woke up surrounded by doctors who told me I would need a heart transplant. After waiting three months, I received a new heart on July 6, 1996. A young boy named Matthew saved my life. Without his mother’s decision to donate his organs, I would not be here today.

My family was told I might not survive to my 18th birthday. I have lived far beyond that prediction, carrying deep gratitude for Matthew and his family.

The greatest gift is the gift of life. You know your body better than anyone else. Listen to it. If your symptoms persist and you still do not have answers, keep asking questions and seek another medical opinion.

THIS IS DEBORA’S STORY

Debora Grandison:
She Speaks from a Joyful Heart

My heart journey began during pregnancy.

Medication for preterm labor placed me in the ICU, with two potential diagnoses. One diagnosis I lived with for the next two decades. There were many tests, procedures, medications, and ER visits before the correct diagnosis was discovered: cardiomyopathy. I had a pacemaker installed, and an AFib diagnosis followed later.

The journey was frightening, frustrating, and difficult, but it gave me the courage, passion, and desire to advocate for myself and others walking through similar circumstances.

I continue to be “a voice for the voiceless” and encourage others to share their “lived experiences” through the power of storytelling. We are truly better together!

REMEMBER TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TODAY!
DEBORA GRANDISON~Owner
SHE SPEAKS FROM A JOYFUL HEART LLC ❤