Heart disease is still New Zealand’s single biggest killer. Every day, it takes the lives of at least 16 people. That’s 16 mums, dads, grandparents, siblings, or children – and it’s up to us to make a change. 
Investing in heart research and specialist training for New Zealand cardiologists is key. You can help us to prevent this tragic, often premature loss with a kind gift today.

 

 “We all thought heart disease affected someone else.”

 

Heart disease can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. Hear from some of our storytellers whose lives have been impacted by our country’s single biggest killer. 

Sarah

 

From running for New Zealand to becoming a superstar mother of five, Sarah’s faced her fair share of hard work and determination. However, nothing could have prepared her for a shocking heart attack.

 

Watch Sarah's story

Dr Janice Chew-Harris

 

 

When Dr Janice Chew-Harris' uncle died from a heart attack at just 48 years old, she knew she wanted to make a difference.

 

 

Watch Dr. Janice's story
 

Mike Pero

 

Well-known New Zealand entrepreneur, businessman, husband, father and grandfather, Mike Pero, thought he was bulletproof until a wake-up call set him on a path to take extra good care of his heart.

 

Watch Mike's story

Monique Bradley

 

Monique is in many ways like her father – artistic, musical and entrepreneurial – and always on the go. Her dad was diagnosed with myocarditis when she was 16, and 18 months later was rushed to the hospital with chest pains.

 

Watch Monique's story
 

Christina

 

Throughout her life, heart disease has impacted Christina in more ways than one. After tragically losing her first husband to a cardiac arrest and witnessing her current husband have a heart attack, her goal is to raise life-saving heart health awareness. 

 

Watch Christina's story

Aleisha
 

Aleisha’s heart journey began before she could even understand it. At just 10 weeks old, she underwent her first open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with stenosis – a condition that causes the narrowing of valves on both sides of the heart, affecting both her pulmonary and aortic valves. 

 

Watch Aliesha's story

Read more stories from Kiwis affected by heart disease.