Help Anthia Recover from Rare Heart Condition

Support Anthia’s Comeback: A Rare Heart Attack Survivor

S.C.A.D. – Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

SCAD is a rare and serious condition where a tear forms in the wall of a coronary artery, restricting blood flow to the heart. It often affects women with no prior warning or traditional risk factors, and it can lead to sudden heart attacks.

My Story

On June 18th, 2025, I went to the hospital expecting a routine CT scan to figure out why I was short of breath and struggling to walk even short distances. I thought it might be a lingering issue from food poisoning I’d suffered in April. But what started as a check-up quickly became life-altering.

After waiting on my results, I was told there were blood clots in my lungs and I needed to be rushed to the ER. What I believed would be an overnight stay turned into a week of constant testing—CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and bloodwork every 6 hours.

Eventually, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “You’ve had a heart attack.”

At just 37 years old, a lifelong daily exerciser with no history of heart disease, I couldn’t believe it. Yet my reality became clear—I was diagnosed with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD).

The Impact

The doctors told me that the damage was advanced. Surgery wasn’t an option, and future childbearing would put my life at risk. While this was devastating news, there is hope. Because of my age, doctors believe my heart can recover enough to allow me to live a moderately normal life with constant medical care.

I will now be under the lifelong care of specialists, including the SCAD team at Mayo Clinic. This journey has been overwhelming to process, but I know I am in good hands.

Why I Need Your Support

This diagnosis was sudden, life-changing, and financially overwhelming. My insurance only covers part of the ongoing medical costs. Proceeds will go toward:

Every bit of support helps me focus on recovery and navigating this unexpected new chapter of life.

From My Heart, Thank You

It’s not easy for me to open up about this, but I share my story with hope. Hope for recovery, hope for awareness, and hope that others will see that SCAD can happen even to those who seem perfectly healthy.

Thank you for standing by me on this journey. Your kindness means more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Anthia