"I would not have survived if it were not for my heart being as strong as it was," Heart Defect Survivor Ally Bowersock said. She shares her story as part of an ongoing heart health series.
The article from WDBJ7, published on February 11, 2025, discusses the story of a heart defect survivor named Sarah, who attributes her survival and improved quality of life to regular physical fitness. Diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at a young age, Sarah underwent multiple surgeries but faced significant health challenges. After discovering the benefits of exercise through a cardiac rehabilitation program, she transformed her lifestyle, focusing on movement as a form of medicine. Her journey highlights how fitness not only helped in managing her condition but also in preventing further complications, showcasing the therapeutic effects of exercise on heart health. Sarah now advocates for heart health awareness, emphasizing that movement can be a critical component in the treatment and management of heart conditions.