Cardiac Arrest Survivor Joins Fight Against Heart Disease As Lobbyist

This month marks the 5th anniversary of my survival of cardiac arrest. On April 27th, my daughter and husband watched as I almost lost my life. The plans for a birthday celebration for my daughter quickly changed to a horrific scene that she will never forget. I helplessly listened to my daughter's cries and my husband's prayers as I laid there dying. All I wanted to do was to wrap my arms around them and assure them I would be alright. No matter how hard I tried, words would not come and I couldn't move. Against all odds I survived.

Home from the hospital, I began a computer search for heart disease. I ended up at http://www.goredforwomen.org I couldn't believe as an educated woman that I was so uneducated about my heart health. I had no idea that heart disease was my greatest health threat. I learned that one in three women die from cardiovascular disease. Only one in five women understand that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. I was one of the four! More women die from cardiovascular disease than the top five leading causes of death. The most important fact is that heart disease does NOT have to be common. Heart disease is largely preventable.

I couldn't help but wonder why God gave me a second chance. It soon became obvious that I was alive to help prevent needless deaths of women. As a motivational speaker, I began to use my skills by spreading the message of awareness and prevention of heart disease. Soon after, I wrote a book called Live To Dance. For more information visit www.livetodancebook.com.

I recently applied/auditioned for two different events that would help further this mission. The first was the American Heart Associations (AHA) Lobby Day in Washington D.C. The second was a show called Listen to your Mother St. Louis, www.listentoyourmothershow.com/stlouis. On my birthday, I learned that I was going to be included in both events. Happy 56th birthday to me!!! What an honor. Two fabulous ways to get the word out concerning heart disease and women!

Today I add the word lobbyist to my “Live It” list. What a wonderful experience!

This week I spent two amazing days in Washington D.C. with the AHA Advocacy Department. I met some extraordinary people with the same mission. Many will be lifetime friends and together we will make a difference in the lives of Americans.

While in Washington D.C. I participated in a rally for medical research. We partnered with many other organizations to support a large demonstration showing the value of National Institute of Health (NIH) research. We listened as survivors of cancer, aids, stroke and heart disease shared their own story and the value of research.

Of the 31 billion dollars that NIH funded in 2012, more than 80% went to universities, research institutions and businesses. Unfortunately, the NIA was cut by five percent or 1.5 billion dollars, which means that 2,300 grants will NOT be awarded. As a result, promising treatments or even cures for costly disease such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer. Sadly, it discourages the “best and the brightest” from pursing a career in medical research.

As a new lobbyist, I shared my story with senators and representatives and ask them to restore the 32 billion dollars so that the NIH can get back on track. Without the help of research I wouldn't be alive today.

In addition, I asked for 35 million dollars to support the Million Hearts initiative, which is a national public educational campaign targeted at the more than one in three Americans who have uncontrolled blood pressure. According to the AHA, controlling your blood pressure is one of the most important ways to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Education is crucial and can help prevent the needless deaths of many.

The only disappointment of the day was that due to tweeting I missed seeing Fran Drescher! I quoted her in my book. “Cancer was a present wrapped up in an ugly package.” Her words never left my head and have proved to be true.

I am looking forward to LTYMSTL show on Saturday May 11th! The group represented a diverse and talented group of women who speak about motherhood. Visit their site here: http://www.listentoyourmothershow.com/stlouis/2013/03/26/meet-me-in-st-louie/

I am a passionate woman who wants to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you AHA and Listen To Your Mother St. Louis for helping me do just that!

Ellen S. Abramson

author of Live To Dance

Cardiac arrest survivor