“I remember when Eli was in my tummy. I told him, if you just get here, I’ll take care of the rest.”
SAN ANTONIO — Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.
The American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative Go Red for Women is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s health awareness. That is what drives mother of twins, Amanda Sandefer who’s son has a congenital heart defect.
“I remember when Eli was in my tummy,” she said. “I told him, if you just get here I’ll take care of the rest.”
Amanda Sandefer made a special promise to her son, Eli – who has hypoplastic right heart syndrome, which means the right side of his heart didn’t fully form.
“We went in to our 20-week ultrasound and that’s when they detected Eli had a congenital heart defect. We made a commitment to advocate and spread awareness even before they were born,” Sandefer said.
She says unfortunately, congenital heart defects are common impacting one in every 100 births.
“We found a whole community of families across the world who have been in that exact moment in time,” she said.
Sandefer has relied on the strength of her eight-year-old to pull through tough times.
“It can feel like it’s going to change your life,” she said. “In many ways it does. But you also are reminded that hope carries you a long way.
Theresa Spiess is the executive director for the American Heart Association of San Antonio. She says one in three women die of heart disease every year and bringing awareness is paramount.
“Maternal health is something that we’re really focused on today. Folks that are survivors like Amanda’s family, a mother’s heart is important and we want to celebrate that today,” Spiess said.
The Sandefer family never takes for granted that a healthy heart is a happy heart.
“It’s going to sink in, that he truly is a survivor,” Sandefer said.
You can build awareness by joining the American Heart Association in National Wear Red Day in honor of women’s heart health. Contact the organization to learn more about resources for heart health.
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