February 2016 was my first memorable arrhythmic encounter and the beginning of my journey to diagnosis. It felt like my heart just sank — the room was starting to get dark and my ears started ringing. I thought to myself, “I’m going to pass out, this is so embarrassing.” This was during a cycling class […]

Courtney graduated from college on May 7, 2016, with a degree and with the diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). She was diagnosed after losing her 17-year-old brother Jake to the same condition. Both she and her brother showed no signs or symptoms, had no family history, were living lives full of competitive athletics […]

I have now been living longer with the arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (AVRC) diagnosis than without it. I am 48 years old. When I was 20 years old, I collapsed during a rowing race and nearly died. At least six times since then I have cheated death. I am now onto my third implantable cardioverter […]

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman. I was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) at the age of 39. Control was my middle name. But having ARVD has been an exercise in letting go. I am learning to let go of things I […]

I was first diagnosed with ARVD in 2004, at age 50, after experiencing ventricular tachycardia after a cardiac arrest.  I was put on medication and advised to get an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).  In an effort to avoid an ICD, I had an ablation that, although not fully successful, lessened the rate of tachycardia.  Against […]

There was a little girl and she had a little curl; right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, she was very, very good; and when she was bad she was horrid. My story began almost three years ago when I was 34. I had always been healthy, with no issues with […]