At the age of 28, Tina Marie Marsden developed heart disease induced by pregnancy, a condition known as PPCM (Peripartum Cardiomyopathy).
PPCM is a weakness of the heart muscle that, by definition, begins sometime during the final month of pregnancy through about five months after delivery, without any other known cause. Most commonly, it occurs right after delivery. It is a rare condition that can carry mild or severe symptoms.
Growing up, Tina was always healthy and active. She used to do ballet, played piano, was a girl scout & traveled a lot with her family. Tina also practiced a lot of sports: volleyball, basketball, kickball, etc. Now a very independent woman, she is raising two boys by herself!
As a survivor of PPCM, she continues to overcome stage IV advanced heart failure, with the assistance of an LVAD, for the past nine years.
An avid patient advocate, Tina strives to promote awareness and education of heart disease; while extending support to fellow patients, survivors, families, and caregivers. She encourages others to live life to its fullest while overcoming the impacts of heart disease.
Through her Sistas with Heart organization, she advocates within her communities to spread awareness of pregnancy-induced heart disease (PPCM) and maternal mortality. Also, she showcases various organizations/individuals with a common goal – Prevention! Check her out on Instagram & Facebook.
With her other organization, Walk with HEARTS, she inspires and encourages physical activity to impact overall health and wellbeing while addressing the social determinants that affect those in communities.
She lives by her mantra, “we didn’t fight to live, not to live!
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