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Claudette Age: 49
Julie Age: 61
Marsha Age: 54
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Stories From The Heart

MARSHA'S STORY

"Sixteen years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time, people didn't talk about it like they do now, and there was not much support for women dealing with the disease.  So I started a support group for women coping with breast cancer and more recently, I have spent several years working as an advocate for breast cancer issues.  When I had cancer, my doctors and I were so focused on beating it that I didn't even realize my risk for another condition: heart disease.  A few years ago I had an angina attack, which was a wake-up call for me. I talked with my doctors, and I now understand my risk for heart disease, which is something I don't think many women do.  Since then I have made major life changes and, as a result, I have lost more than 20 pounds.  Women's heart disease isn't widely talked about, just as breast cancer wasn't when I was diagnosed with it 16 years ago.  As a nurse, I know that heart disease is the biggest health threat to women and I hope that more women will realize it too."


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