Giving Tuesday: Marlin's Story

In 2015, Marlin and her husband moved to Florida.  She was unaware there was a Center of Excellence in Florida, so she started seeing a local cardiologist.  According to Marlin, “I think that was my biggest mistake.”  She would explain her symptoms to the cardiologist, but she didn’t receive any guidance or answers. “I didn’t feel like I was being cared for, and deep in my gut, I knew that I needed to do something. Physically, I was drained; I felt like I was dying inside.” 

In December of 2021, Marlin was desperate for answers/resources, she decided to look on Facebook to see if there was a support group for people with HCM. She found the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) Facebook group.  Through this connection, she was encouraged by other group members to make an appointment with the HCMA office.  She did an Intake Call and was then scheduled for a Navigation Call with Lisa Salberg, the CEO, and Founder of the HCMA.

Recalling her navigation call with Lisa, Marlin said, “I have goosebumps… I’ll never forget that day, it was a Wednesday at 3:15, and Lisa looked at my records and asked me if anyone ever recommended an ICD?  My answer was no, and while I was still on the phone with Lisa, she put me on hold and called Dr. Hazday’s office to arrange for me to be seen right away.”  (During their conversation, Lisa expressed to Marlin that her case was one of those cases the HCMA has been preparing for all those years. That the proper care was absolutely necessary.)  "I personally consider Lisa my angel on Earth!"

This GivingTuesday, please help support the HCMA to provide intake and navigation calls just like Marlin's. 

The HCMA provides free phone or online support to anyone needing assistance.

Your donation may improve or save a life.