In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Heart of Hope podcast, we sit down with Sharon, a 72-year-old heart attack survivor, and her devoted husband, Cliff. Together, they recount the harrowing events of Sharon’s unexpected heart attack and subsequent cardiac arrest, shedding light on the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, the role of intuition in recognizing symptoms, and the life-saving power of quick medical intervention.

Sharon courageously opens up about her emotional journey of recovery, the trauma of losing memory of her own near-death experience, and the challenges of reconciling gratitude with lingering fear. Cliff shares his perspective as a co-survivor, emphasizing the emotional toll on loved ones and the strength it takes to stay hopeful in the darkest moments.

We are also joined by Megan, a patient advocacy specialist who helps survivors reconnect with the medical teams that saved their lives, facilitating healing through heart recovery reunions and survivor networks. Her work underscores the importance of bridging the gap between physical recovery and emotional healing.

Join us for a candid conversation about resilience, the significance of support networks, and the healing power of sharing one’s story.

Find more about Jana Bonassi here: https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Heart of Hope Book available NOW:

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Hope-Jana-Bonassi-ebook/dp/B0F7HVL1W5

Apple Books - https://books.apple.com/us/book/heart-of-hope/id6745569320

Learn more about CPR: Hands-Only CPR | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid

Learn more about AEDs and where to get proper training: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed

Jana is an ambassador or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Learn more here: https://www.sca-aware.org/

This episode was recorded and produced by the amazing crew at Iron Pixel Studios: https://ironpixelstudios.com/

Follow us at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

And watch us on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle

In this heartfelt episode of Heart of Hope, Jana Bonassi celebrates her "Miracle Day" alongside fellow cardiac arrest survivor and advocate, Ed Kosiec. Jana opens up about the duality of her survival—marked by gratitude but also the weight of trauma—and the path that eventually brought her to advocacy. Ed shares his own miraculous survival story, recounting how an 18-year-old, his angel Sarah, with CPR training saved his life after he collapsed unexpectedly in a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Their shared experience of survival, although unique, highlights the transformative power of CPR, AEDs, and the importance of bystander intervention.

Ed's journey extends beyond survival. Turning his experience into purpose, he played a key role in advocating for a law that will make CPR training mandatory for high school students in Florida, even embarking on a cross-country tour to spread CPR awareness nationwide. Together, Jana and Ed discuss the emotional challenges survivors face, the critical need for community and support, and the power of turning pain into advocacy. This episode is a testament to resilience and a rallying call for preparedness, offering hope and inspiration to listeners while underscoring that everyone has the potential to be a hero.

Find more about Jana Bonassi here: https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Join the mission of Every Second Counts CPR at: https://www.everysecondcountscpr.org/ and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everysecondcountscpr123/

Learn more about CPR: Hands-Only CPR | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid

Learn more about AEDs and where to get proper training: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed

Jana is an ambassador or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Learn more here: https://www.sca-aware.org/

This episode was recorded and produced by the amazing crew at Iron Pixel Studios: https://ironpixelstudios.com/

Follow us at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

And watch us on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle

In this episode of Heart of Hope, host Jana Bonassi, a cardiac arrest survivor, invites former NFL player and Super Bowl winner, Fred Stokes, to discuss his journey with mental health, trauma, and the importance of vulnerability. Fred shares his experience from the NFL to his powerful work with his nonprofit, Lint Brother, which focuses on helping men confront and express their hidden struggles. Together with Jana's husband, Ricardo Bonassi, they dive into the reality behind the words, "I'm fine," as men grapple with the emotional toll of traumatic experiences. Ricardo shares his perspective as both a co-survivor and husband, highlighting how the facade of strength impacts their family and relationships.

Join them as they shed light on the necessity of emotional honesty and how Fred’s initiative is creating safe spaces for men to find genuine support. This heartfelt conversation explores themes of gratitude, resilience, and breaking the cycle of emotional suppression.

Listen in for a candid, emotional discussion that redefines what it means to be 'fine.'

Find more about Jana Bonassi here: https://www.instagram.com/janabonassi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Find more about Lint Brother here: https://www.lintbrother.com/ and on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lintbrother?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Follow Fred Stokes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigplaystokes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Find more about Ricardo Bonassi here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbonassi

Jana is an ambassador or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. Learn more here: https://www.sca-aware.org/

This episode was recorded and produced by the amazing crew at Iron Pixel Studios: https://ironpixelstudios.com/

Follow us at Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartof_hope_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

And watch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jana_bonassi?si=kxqp0LSnNV2BMZle