Stories

For decades, Denise, a nurse, midwife, and caregiver, was the one people turned to in moments of crisis.

Working for New Zealand’s leading heart charity, the Heart Foundation, for nearly a decade, Ian was passionate about raising awareness and the risks of heart disease. He never imagined, he would be the one fighting for his life.

In Māngere, Samoan early learning service Fetu Taiala Aoga Amata teamed up with the Heart Foundation to tackle a common challenge: how to support their whānau/aiga to create lunchboxes for their children that are delicious, healthy, affordable, and still rooted in cultural traditions.

Children on the Kāpiti Coast are learning the importance of healthy eating and keeping active, with a little help from the Heart Foundation.

Never in a thousand years did Christine expect her tonsillectomy to lead to an out-of-the-blue heart condition diagnosis. She kept fit by walking every day, ate well and looked after her health. It’s her personal experience that inspired her to support the Big Heart Appeal street collection.

When John suffered a completely unexpected heart attack, he was blown away with the efficiency and care of the medical team who treated him. Seeing just what an amazing impact health professionals make, he was inspired to give back in the Big Heart Appeal street collection.

An 85% blockage in a major artery changed Philip’s life forever. Gone were his busy days of teaching in schools across Auckland. Instead, he and his wife started a new chapter together in Matamata – a town that Philip considers the epitome of warmth and generosity.

After being diagnosed with heart disease in 2017, Kay had a revelation: life is short, spend your time wisely. From then onwards, she was determined to make the most of her days – including getting involved in the Big Heart Appeal street collection.

Joan is taking part in the Big Heart Appeal street collection this coming February to prevent others from going through a heart attack like her own.

Throughout her thirty-year career looking after others, Diane has seen the impact heart disease has on New Zealanders. Now, following her own diagnosis, she knows exactly how important it is to support life-saving heart research.

Since being diagnosed with a heart condition in 1999, Mairangi Bay local Dean has seen firsthand the positive change that heart research has made possible. Now, it’s his mission as an Area Coordinator in the Big Heart Appeal street collection to make even more of an impact.

Wellington-based Adrian has made it a personal goal to use his retirement for good. Since experiencing his own heart attack five years ago, he now gifts his time in the Big Heart Appeal street collection, with the hope of helping others.