Terri Shumaker

My first heart attack was on January 1st, 2001. I was 35 at the time. Since then, I have had three more known heart attacks, a right coronary artery dissection, bypass surgery, and a near death experience all because of coronary artery spasms.

“I have faced healthcare professionals who misdiagnosed me or did not believe me when I gave them my health history of cardiac spasms.”

I have struggled to understand what was happening to me; and my family has struggled along with me on this over 20-year journey. I have always believed that things happen for a reason and that God would not give me more than I can handle. So here I am, with greater understanding, confidence to deal with healthcare providers, and the desire and energy to advocate and help others.

As a single mother of two, my children were exposed to all that goes with frequent hospital visits and illness. They learned compassion and empathy toward others which makes them two beautiful human beings. Together with them, my family, my friends, and the good people I have met along the way, I am blessed to be alive today. In my gratitude to those who helped me, I felt compelled to start the Prinzmetal Angina Facebook support group in October of 2015 to help others also dealing with heart spasms. In his wisdom, God had even bigger plans for me and thus the formation of this website and charitable fund.

Although dealing with Prinzmetal will challenge us, it does not have to define or defeat us. From fear and ignorance to love and wisdom, we are here to help you.