Blogs

Saved by Swim Angels, by Carol Mathewson

I’ve always been in peak physical condition, very healthy and extremely active….running, hiking, kayaking and biking.  But on August 17, 2008, I suffered sudden cardiac arrest while swimming in the Danskin Triathlon and disappeared underneath the water.  What saved my life was the quick action of… Read More

How many times are they going to resuscitate me?

 This is my story. I am a paramedic who encountered one the most challenging calls of my career on May 27, 2007 at the age of 52, my own cardiac arrest. I was working out at the firehouse on shift on the treadmill when I started having an uncomfortable feeling in my chest. I slowed down and walked… Read More

my story

 It was a friday morning November 6th, 2009 and I was getting ready to take kids to school and my husband was getting ready for work. He told me wasn't feeling well and was laying on the bed. He complained of severe chest pain radiating down his right arm. When I touched him he was cool and clammy… Read More

My Story

I never thought something like this could happen to me.  I had just turned 51; I was working out twice a day for over 2 1/2 hours; 13% body fat; good diet; low blood pressure, cholestrol level great; all vital signs good!  Then it happened and I don't remember a single part of it.  On New Years Day… Read More

Open Heart Surgery and Energy

I had open heart surgery in May of 2009. It is now November and I am so frustrated over the lack of energy I have and the stiffness and soreness. When do things return to normal???

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

October has been filled with activities around the country to raise awareness and help save lives threatened by sudden cardiac arrest. Here are some things we've been up to: Hosting the 2009 Genesis Awards Reception to honor Mike Piccione and the other Rhinebeck High School heroes who saved the… Read More

Celebrated my 7 year re-birthary

Sept. 19, 2009 - 7 years of survival.  It's hard to believe 7 years have passed since my SCA.  I've had my ICD battery replaced once, and *knock on wood* it has only fired twice - both times within weeks of being implanted in 2002.  My EF has been 50% for the past 6 years -normal!  It had been down… Read More

Heaven's a Little Closer in a House by the Sea

My personal connection to the cause I have worked for many years in the field of emergency medical services. People often ask me why I am interested in sudden cardiac arrest. Do I have a personal experience that motivates me? I  respond that I am simply interested because I recognize the huge… Read More

AED devices only work if people use them

     AED devices only work if people who are trained actually use them.  My husband suffered a heart attack while playing basketball at the YMCA in town.  They have an AED device and have people there trained in CPR, but no-one used the device to try to save him.  I have also learned that if they… Read More

A Father's Day Tribute

I am thinking today of all the fathers who survived sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) because someone close by was ready, willing and able to help. Someone who, by the way, looks a lot like you. Just last week, I was privileged to hear two fathers--recent SCA survivors--share their experiences during an… Read More