Our Stories
All of our Heart Sisters have had unique experiences with heart disease and stroke. Read on to meet some of our members as they describe, in their own words, how they’ve handled their personal health challenges in recent years.
Carol, Nanaimo, BC
“On June 3, 2011, my husband learned he had a spot on his lungs. He was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer...”
Carole, Lantzville, BC
“To begin with, I was diagnosed with diabetes 18 years ago. Then in 2010, I had some tests done in Nanaimo because I was having some heart issues…”
Claire, Nanaimo, BC
“My doctors think that all of my work may have contributed to my health issues. I’ve always been a real determined hard worker…”
Donna H., Nanaimo, BC
“All through my life, I was very athletic and played just about every sport imaginable. I didn’t experience any specific health issues…”
Donna K., Nanaimo, BC
“My first indication that there could be a problem happened in 2003, while preparing for a cycling trip in Europe…”
Edna, Nanaimo, BC
“On July 9, 2016, I had a cerebellar stroke. It controlled my balance and co-ordination. It happened nine days after my 75th birthday. What a shock!…”
Isabel, Nanaimo, BC
“At the time of my trauma, I was a 58-year-old. I was a person in good health, or so I was told and thought. That was until January 31, 2011…”
Joan, Duncan, BC
“My journey with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and heart failure began in 2002 after I had chemotherapy for breast cancer…
Joanne, Nanaimo, BC
“Heart disease runs in my family so I shouldn’t have been surprised when it finally happened to me…”
Rebecca, Nanaimo, BC
“On July 10, 2023, I was praticing kayak rolling. I was holding my breath, and you can get dizzy and nauseous while you’re doing this activity…”
Sandy, Nanaimo, BC
“My story probably started while I was still working as a Registered Nurse. I would occasionally have some chest heaviness - starting in 1999…”