Six years ago, I died. I went in for what we thought was a “simple” surgery. Just a quick in and out procedure to remove a cyst off my temple. Because of where it was the doctor decided it would be best to put me completely under. 

About half way through my heart started to go into a arrhythmia. The anesthesiologist said to stop so they could inject epinephrine. It was supposed to stabilize my blood pressure and bring my heart rhythm back to normal. Instead, it did the opposite. It stopped. Thanks to the amazing team I had, I am still here. Praise be to God. 

After a week in the hospital and many tests, I was diagnosed with SADS or Sudden Arrythmic Death Syndrome. Only one in 20,000 young people survive it. I am one of the lucky ones. It affects many young adults who are healthy with no history of heart problems. Very little is known about it and is often misdiagnosed as just a heart attack or idiopathic death. There is no cure except preventative care. Such as (like what was done to me) is to place a ICD to shock the heart of needed. I wish more people would learn about this and talk to their doctors about it. 

Help me spread the word and help prevent this disease from taking more innocent children’s lives.