02/11/2026
Before coming to Atrium Health, 37-year-old Gabbi spent months searching for answers to crushing fatigue and shortness of breath. Misdiagnosed with pneumonia and bronchitis, she cycled through antibiotics as her health declined and lost nearly 80 pounds.
On May 13, Gabbi experienced facial drooping and tingling on her right side, followed by a seizure. Tests revealed multiple strokes, a blood clot in her heart and advanced heart failure. She was transferred to Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, where specialists determined a heart transplant was too risky. Instead, they recommended an LVAD, a mechanical pump that helps the heart circulate blood.
Gabbi underwent LVAD surgery June 2 and spent 56 days in the hospital. Now home, she is rebuilding strength through cardiac rehab and looks forward to attending Atrium Health’s Celebration of Life event this fall.
Learn more about Gabbi's journey: https://bit.ly/4qapB9T