February marks Health Awareness Month, with doctors stressing the importance of early detection in saving lives. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, and one Central Texas woman, Cheryl Hunkin, is sharing her personal story of overcoming heart problems, from an unexpected diagnosis to a life-saving heart transplant.
At just 41 years old, Hunkin never expected to experience heart issues. She led a healthy lifestyle, did not smoke, and had no obvious risk factors. Her journey began with chest pressure, a warning sign she initially brushed off. It wasn’t until over a decade after her first heart attack that complications worsened, and she found herself in need of a heart transplant.
The news came suddenly, and the situation moved quickly. Hunkin was told by doctors that if she experienced another heart attack, she wouldn’t survive. To help her heart pump while awaiting a donor organ, she was implanted with a device called an impella. This placed her on a critical status level, and just 11 days later, she received a donor heart.
Now, a year after her transplant, Hunkin is adjusting to a new normal, including regular checkups, anti-rejection medications, and cardiac rehabilitation. She expresses deep gratitude for every moment of her new life and hopes to connect with the family of her donor.
Hunkin has become an advocate for early heart health screenings, emphasizing the importance of not waiting for an emergency to check on heart health. Her message is clear: early detection and proactive care are crucial in preventing heart disease and saving lives.
