Stories

When Dr Janice Chew-Harris' uncle died from a heart attack at just 48 years old, she knew she wanted to make a difference.

After surviving a heart attack with unexpected symptoms, Debbie has embraced lifestyle changes and actively supports the Heart Foundation, raising awareness about heart health and the importance of prevention.

Despite undergoing two open-heart surgeries as a child, Aleisha has remained active and recently completed a 50km challenge for the Heart Foundation. Now she is supporting the Big Heart Appeal to ensure others with heart conditions can lead full, healthy lives.

From running for New Zealand to becoming a superstar mother of five, Sarah has faced her fair share of hard work and determination. However, nothing could have prepared her for a shocking heart attack.

Throughout her life, heart disease has impacted Christina in more ways than one. After tragically losing her first husband to a cardiac arrest and witnessing her current husband have a heart attack, her goal is to raise life-saving heart health awareness.

Brian, an 80-year-old retired engineer living in Waiuku, has been a dedicated Heart Foundation volunteer and area coordinator for the past two years, inspired by his own journey with heart health.

Invercargill-based volunteer Sachira found purpose and community through the Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal. Since joining as an area coordinator last year, he’s been inspired by the generosity and kindness of his community, spreading his own passion for giving back and encouraging others to do the same.

Margaret, a retired nurse from Reefton in the Buller area, has spent her life working in healthcare. She has witnessed firsthand the incredible advancements in heart research and volunteers every year for the Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal.

Ken, a 76-year-old retiree from Paraparaumu Beach, has lived an active and successful life, keeping his body and mind engaged. However, at age 51, despite being fit and running marathons, Ken experienced a heart attack that changed his life.

Christine, a North Canterbury resident and mother of Sarah, a "heart child" born with complex congenital heart conditions, has spent her life supporting heart health initiatives.

After losing her father to a heart attack and later her husband to a sudden cardiac arrest, Annemarie became committed to raising awareness and funds to support heart research.

Researching the integration of Māori and Pacific cultural values into heart health is the focus of Vaea Ulima Tofi, a Māori Samoan researcher and recipient of the Heart Foundation Māori and Pacific Research Fellowship.