I took Camille’s senior pictures 2 years ago and have always loved this sweet girl. She is so kind, generous, loving & always has a smile on her face. She volunteers her time at youth camps, does a lot to give back, and is a true light in this world. I had no idea that she had any heart related issues and am so glad she wanted to be a part of the project and share her story! Thank you Camille! PS… are you kidding me with this picture?! You are STUNNING.
Camille’s Story:
- Before personally going through something related to heart health, did you know much about it?
All I knew was what we were taught in health class. Just the basic anatomy and what causes a heart attack.
- Have you ever lost anyone due to a heart related health issue?
Yes
- If you answered yes to the previous question and you’re comfortable answering- what happened? And to whom?
My grandmother passed from congestive heart failure about 16 years ago.
- Why do you want to be a part of this project?
I want to be a part of this project because my family has really been affected by heart issues and it’s something that can be preventable. It’s so important to listen and to take care of your body because it could end up saving your life.
- How have you been affected by Heart Health?
I started experiencing chest pain when I was 15 years old. When it would happen my heart would start to beat really fast and it would be hard for me to breath. It would occur often enough that my mom took me and to see a cardiologist. After I described my symptoms to him he put me on a 48 hour heart monitor because it would happen sporadically. I went back after the 48 hours were up and he didn’t see anything wrong. I assured him that I wasn’t making it up and so he put me on an event monitor. This one I wore for 30 days and anytime I felt it happening I would press the button and it would record my heart beat. After I the 30 days was up I went back in and had an echo cardiogram done. That was actually pretty cool because I got to see an ultrasound of my heart. The echo came back normal too. We finally got the event monitor results and they finally saw what I had been describing! The doctor diagnosed it as PAC’s (premature atrial contraction). Basically what was happening was that my heart was sending electrical signals to the atrium triggering it to beat too early. Luckily it was nothing life threatening and I was prescribed some medication and advised to stay away from caffeine. I feel truly blessed that it was nothing life threatening and I’m so glad that I went and got checked because know I have the piece of mind that I’m going to be fine.
- What do you want people to know?
I want people to know that if you feel like something is wrong, then say it! Listening to your body is so so important because if something is not right then your body will let you know.
- How has this all changed your life?
I have a family history of heart disease so I knew that already put me at risk but I never thought that I would start having issues so young! This experience has made me so much more cautious. Whenever I experience chest discomfort I pay super close attention to make sure it’s not something different going on.
- What’s the most important thing in the world to you?
I know this is cheesy, but my family is the most important thing to me. They’ve always been there to support me through anything crazy life decision that I throw at them and I love them so much. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.
- If this was your last week on earth, how would you live it?
If this was my last week on earth I would want to see as much of the world as possible and immerse myself in all of the different cultures.
- What are you passionate about?
I am so passionate about kids. I’m currently striving to earn a degree in Education so that I can always be surrounded by young minds. Kids will never fail to amaze me with the simple things they say that really make you stop and think.
- What do you love about yourself?
I love how accepting I am. I want people to come as they are and not to try to put up barriers because their real self is their most beautiful self.
- What is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?
There are so many incredible people out there but I’m going to have to give this one to my Grandparents. They have been there to support me through everything. They sat through every band concert and came to all of my softball games. Thy even came to all of my games that were out of the state! It really means so much to me to have them always be there.
Camille, you are an amazing young woman. Such great advice to always listen to your body and if you think anything at all could be wrong, go get it checked!!
You’re going to do incredible things, girl. Love you!!
xo- T
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