Mellanie True Hills knows personally the toll that atrial fibrillation (afib) takes. Just two years ago, with a sense of urgency about afib that only a survivor can possess, she designated September as Atrial Fibrillation Month.
After surviving blood clots and a near-stroke during her first afib episode, she lived in constant fear that the next one would bring on a deadly stroke. Once cured surgically of this cardiac arrhythmia, she couldn't stand on the sidelines and watch others suffer so she started StopAfib.org, a non-profit resource for those living the nightmare of atrial fibrillation. Since afib frequently isn't diagnosed until after a stroke, or two, and identifying the problem can be a multi-year process, she knew that she had to act quickly to raise awareness.
As we at StopAfib.org mark our third year of celebrating Atrial Fibrillation Month, we know that so much progress has been made in raising awareness of this potentially life-threatening irregular heartbeat, but so much more must be done. We imagine a world where there are no deadly or disabling strokes. A world where atrial fibrillation no longer bankrupts families due to lost jobs, crushing medical bills, and the inability to get and keep insurance. A world where the cost of afib and strokes no longer threatens health systems and economies.