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Heart Talk with Hillary
After surviving acute heart failure at just 33 years old, I felt incredibly alone in my recovery. I had never met anyone living with heart failure—let alone someone close to my age. As I began sharing my story publicly and on social media, I discovered something I never expected: a community of people whose lives had also been touched by heart failure.
Some were survivors who had walked this path years before me. Some had received heart transplants. Others were family members supporting loved ones through hospitalization and recovery. Connecting with these individuals was both healing and inspiring. It reminded me that none of us are truly alone, even in life's most difficult circumstances.
I created this podcast to help others find that same sense of connection, hope, and community. Through conversations with heart failure survivors, caregivers, cardiologists, and heart failure specialists, my goal is to share stories that educate, encourage, and remind listeners that there is life beyond a diagnosis.
Whether you are a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone wanting to learn more, I hope this podcast introduces you to an incredible community of resilient, courageous people. I also hope it helps raise awareness about heart failure and the many ways it impacts individuals and families around the world.
Thank you for being here and for being part of this journey.
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding questions or concerns about your own health or medical care.
To follow my heart failure advocacy and recovery journey, find me on Instagram @hillarysheart. For questions, comments, speaking opportunities, media inquiries, or collaboration requests, please contact me via email: hillary@hillarysheart.com.
Heart Talk with Hillary
Lauryn Sousa - Acute Viral Myocarditis
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Today’s guest is my friend, Lauryn Sousa. She’s a young, active preschool teacher from Rhode Island whose life took a terrifying turn earlier this year after she contracted the flu. What started as a common illness quickly spiraled into a life-threatening emergency.
Lauryn lives alone, and navigating the early symptoms on her own was incredibly scary. Thankfully Lauryn made it to the hospital in time but it wasn’t all uphill from there— at one point, her doctors told her parents something no parent ever wants to hear, “your daughter only has an hour left to live”.
But against all odds, and with the help the Impella heart pump, Lauryn made a full recovery.
Her story is emotional, powerful, and a reminder not to take our health — or the people in our lives — for granted.
To follow along on Lauryn's heart recovery journey, check out her Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@laurynsousa21?si=9bkuVVt9iiJdrBKX
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Podcast Contact:
hillary@hillarysheart.com
DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational, inspirational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my guests, based on our personal experiences. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email Hillary at hillary@hillarysheart.com
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