February is a time to bring awareness to women and heart disease. Our very own Melissa Johnson shares her story to help others further understand the importance of this month to her and so many other brave women like her.
Melissa Johnson has congenital heart disease. It’s something she will live with for the rest of her life, but since she discovered it ten years ago, she’s been working to make sure others are aware of their risks.
Ten years ago she was at work at Access Point in Portage when she passed out. From there came a major diagnosis.
“I was born with a congenital heart defect that was not discovered until I was 37 years old,” said Johnson.
She’s since been in and out of the office as she works to stay healthy.
“Over the last three years I’ve had two open heart surgeries to replace a portion of my heart,” said Johnson.
Now she’s making heart health for everyone her mission.
“It kind of felt like a calling for me to get involved with the American Heart Association and work really hard for the educational piece,” said Johnson.
See some of our other office locations wearing red to support Melissa and other women that have been affected by heart disease.