Stevie

2 years since diagnosis

Age at interview: 31

Stevie was in her late 20s when she suffered a significant cardiac event. It was the beginning of COVID and she was on a road trip. When she got out of her car she collapsed on the street. Stevie was taken to a local hospital and then medevacked to a larger center. Stevie woke up in ICU two weeks later and learned that her heart had stopped 9 times during her cardiac event. She was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and implanted with an ICD. As a result of her heart event Stevie experiences mental health challenges and has struggled to find services to support her needs. Several years after her cardiac event Stevie gave birth to a baby boy, despite being told that she would not be able to have children due to her condition. Stevie now focuses her time on raising heart health awareness, especially for young women and is an advocate for mental health services.

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More content

• Stigma & Gender Bias – Stevie
  Stevie feels that the rehab program was not relatable to someone in their 20s.
• Self-care – Maintaining Your Own Well-being – Stevie
  Stevie wants to make things better for others - to be 'that one now for people.'
• Mental Health & Emotional Support – Stevie
  Stevie says her biggest fear is dying and not being able to care for her kids.
• Mental Health & Emotional Support – Stevie
  Stevie developed PTSD, anxiety, and depression related to her medical incident.
• Finding Information & Cardiac Rehab – Stevie
  Stevie speaks about cardiac rehab being closed in the pandemic.
• Finding Information & Cardiac Rehab – Stevie
  Stevie feels like the resources were not applicable to her situation.
• Reflections on Identity, Life and Death – Stevie
  Stevie describes all the changes she has had to adjust to in a short time.
• Impact on Daily Life – Stevie
  Stevie was told she probably would not be able to have children.
• Impact on Daily Life – Stevie
  Stevie went from being an athlete all her life to struggling to do minimal exercise.
• Care Delivery – Stevie
  Stevie describes the lack of mental health support for the sudden life changes she experienced.