Family Tragedy Spurs Woman to Work Against Heart Disease
Holly Morrell was a teenager when her two cousins and playmates died of sudden cardiac arrest within a year of each other.
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December 22, 2009
Holly Morrell was a teenager when her two cousins and playmates died of sudden cardiac arrest within a year of each other. This tragedy has prompted the California woman to look deeper into her family's genetic background and to work in order to spread awareness about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Morrell, who was also diagnosed with the disease using genetic testing, runs Heartfelt Cardiac Projects, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable screening for young people, offering it for free for those who qualify, according to CNN.
"I'm doing this so for other families, the story can be a happy one," she told the news provider, adding that a defibrillator doctors had implanted in her chest already saved her life once.
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation - an organization that accepts donations and offers comprehensive resources that can help survivors get back to normal life and thrive - the condition kills approximately 250,000 Americans each year.
Experts say knowing the symptoms of SCA - which include loss of consciousness as well as loss of normal breathing, pulse and blood pressure - and calling 911 immediately, can make a big difference.
Being able to apply CPR and use an automated external defibrillator, which can be found in many public places, are some of the best ways to increase the chances of survival in those who have suffered an episode.
Holly Morrell was a teenager when her two cousins and playmates died of sudden cardiac arrest within a year of each other. This tragedy has prompted the California woman to look deeper into her family's genetic background and to work in order to spread awareness about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Morrell, who was also diagnosed with the disease using genetic testing, runs Heartfelt Cardiac Projects, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable screening for young people, offering it for free for those who qualify, according to CNN.
"I'm doing this so for other families, the story can be a happy one," she told the news provider, adding that a defibrillator doctors had implanted in her chest already saved her life once.
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation - an organization that accepts donations and offers comprehensive resources that can help survivors get back to normal life and thrive - the condition kills approximately 250,000 Americans each year.
Experts say knowing the symptoms of SCA - which include loss of consciousness as well as loss of normal breathing, pulse and blood pressure - and calling 911 immediately, can make a big difference.
Being able to apply CPR and use an automated external defibrillator, which can be found in many public places, are some of the best ways to increase the chances of survival in those who have suffered an episode.
