I Survived a Heart Attack:
Health Story

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, April 15 and May 27, 2007
Show 409

As an eighth grade English teacher, singer and songwriter, and mother of a toddler and a newborn, 39-year old Donna Bender was leading a full life. But then, just days after bringing her newborn home, a heart attack changed everything. "I woke up and I remember turning over and just being paralyzed. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest," says Donna.  The post pregnancy hormones along with increased blood supply had put a strain on her heart and caused an aortic tear. She needed to have bypass surgery to treat it. Her surgery was successful but her recovery was long and painful. Now she wants to get the message out to other women. "Definitely pay attention to what your body is telling you. Don't be afraid to tell your doctors when you really sense something is wrong. And be persistent and strong about it," says Donna.