Mortal And Strong - Voices 42 & 43 Bethany & Hannah

In this particular episode we are delighted and honoured to have not just one but two Voices sharing their story. All the way from Miami, Florida (USA), Bethany and Hannah are the forces behind the American charity Heartcharged, and are infamous for their advocacy work on all things cardiac. They are both sisters and were diagnosed as teenagers with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Hannah was 14 and lived for sports, whilst Bethany was on the road to become a professional ballet dancer at 17. At diagnosis they were told how lucky they were to not have had a cardiac arrest already and had to drastically change their lifestyle because of the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. One year later Hannah was first to be fitted with an ICD, an implanted defibrillator device to provide an electric shock instantly if the heart goes into cardiac arrest or a life threatening rhythm. 6 months after having it inserted, Hannah had a cardiac arrest in her sleep and was shocked by the ICD twice. Shortly after Bethany went on to also have an ICD inserted. The profound life-changing and life threatening diagnosis made both of them determined to dedicate their lives to doing incredible work to help save lives for others. From raising awareness of the need for early screening in children of this genetic condition, to education about CPR and the use of AEDs, along with peer support for other young people needing ICD implants… the work they have done has already saved so many lives and now have an international following and community. We are so glad to be able to include their story and share the awareness of such an important topic.

Mortal and Strong is a registered charity and presenting our debut campaign Scars of Gold. A campaign using art to shine the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing their story through a podcast & documentary. Founded by Dr Liz Murray. Photographer Sammy Weston.

#mortalandstrong #scarsofgold #kintsugi #art #artist #doctor #charity #campaign #womenshealth #cardiomyopathy #hcm #hypertrophiccardiomyopathy #cardiacarrest #icd #cpr #aed #sca #chdawareness #chd #dcm #ohcm #getheartcharged #heartcharged #podcast #hearttransplant 

For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health. 

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