04/03/2026
Heather didn't think high cholesterol was a big deal — until it changed everything.
She found out she had high LDL cholesterol at a college health fair. “I was young, healthy, and didn’t think it was something I needed to worry about. Even as a nurse, I assumed avoiding fast food was enough.”
But in July 2023, at 40 years old, she had a stroke. She walks with a cane and lives with post-stroke fatigue. She doesn’t know if she’ll ever return to bedside nursing.
“I never imagined something like this could happen to me. I’ve learned the hard way that age doesn’t protect you, and ignoring your cholesterol can have life-altering consequences.”
Heather is committed to managing her health, taking her medications and staying in close contact with her doctors. And she has a message for young people who might think they’re “too health” to be at risk.
“If you’re reading this, please don’t ignore your numbers. Ask your doctor to check your LDL. Take it seriously. Because I’ll always wonder, what if I had?”
