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Survivor stories

Bonni Brodnick wearing a red dress
Bonni Brodnick

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.

Phaleya Burnside wearing a burgundy gown and Survivor sash at a Go Red for Women event
Phaleya Burnside

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.

WATCH THEIR STORIES

The 2025 NYC Go Red for Women
Class of Survivors

Watch the survivor video