A Big Heart

In this episode we announce the exciting news that my memoir, A Big Heart is currently available for pre-order. Visit www.abigheartbook.com to place your order!

Here is the book description: 

As a teen, Mike Papale had one dream: to play college basketball. He was laser-focused—training like an Olympic hopeful to make his dream reality. Out of nowhere, his world changed. August 24, 2006, while coaching a summer camp basketball game, he slumped over, unresponsive, turning blue within minutes. He was 17, and had gone into cardiac arrest. With no AED on site, he was given a one in a million chance to survive. 

 He was soon diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or HCM, which, left undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. At the time, he was crushed—processing the life-altering news he would never be able to play competitive basketball again. He quickly realized he was fortunate to be alive, and redefined his life’s purpose.  

 A Big Heart brings the reader on Mike’s story of reinvention, hope, and survival. It is guaranteed to inspire readers to battle adversity and live their BEST life!

In this episode we announce the exciting news that my memoir, A Big Heart is currently available for pre-order. Visit www.abigheartbook.com to place your order!

Here is the book description: 

As a teen, Mike Papale had one dream: to play college basketball. He was laser-focused—training like an Olympic hopeful to make his dream reality. Out of nowhere, his world changed. August 24, 2006, while coaching a summer camp basketball game, he slumped over, unresponsive, turning blue within minutes. He was 17, and had gone into cardiac arrest. With no AED on site, he was given a one in a million chance to survive. 

 He was soon diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or HCM, which, left undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. At the time, he was crushed—processing the life-altering news he would never be able to play competitive basketball again. He quickly realized he was fortunate to be alive, and redefined his life’s purpose.  

 A Big Heart brings the reader on Mike’s story of reinvention, hope, and survival. It is guaranteed to inspire readers to battle adversity and live their BEST life!

I had surgery last Thursday, August 12, to replace the generator in my Boston Scientific ICD. In this episode, we talk about my experience with surgery from leading up to the day, the actual surgery, and recovery. 

In this episode, we discuss my personal exercise journey after my sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 17. Exercise is an important conversation for heart disease patients and everyone is different. You might not have the same exercise journey as me, but I hope you can learn from some of the things I have experienced and allow them to have a positive impact on your life.  

In this episode, we discuss my personal exercise journey after my sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 17. Exercise is an important conversation for heart disease patients and everyone is different. You might not have the same exercise journey as me, but I hope you can learn from some of the things I have experienced and allow them to have a positive impact on your life.  

In this episode, we talk about the importance of advocating for your own health. This is an important topic for everyone, not just heart disease patients. It is important to take control of your health and your life. Your doctor should be your teammate and you should be working together so you can live a long and normal life!

In this episode, we talk about the importance of advocating for your own health. This is an important topic for everyone, not just heart disease patients. It is important to take control of your health and your life. Your doctor should be your teammate and you should be working together so you can live a long and normal life!

In this episode, we learn the lifelong heart journey of Bob Smith. Bob was born with severe Aortic Stenosis and needed an emergency valvuloplasty when he was two weeks old. In 2016, he had his Aortic Valve and Ascending Aorta replaced which required an intense open heart surgery. Bob is an avid rock climber and is currently in some of the best shape of his life. He has great advice for all heart disease patients about how to get back to living a normal life. 

In this episode, we learn the lifelong heart journey of Bob Smith. Bob was born with severe Aortic Stenosis and needed an emergency valvuloplasty when he was two weeks old. In 2016, he had his Aortic Valve and Ascending Aorta replaced which required an intense open heart surgery. Bob is an avid rock climber and is currently in some of the best shape of his life. He has great advice for all heart disease patients about how to get back to living a normal life. 

In this episode we talk to Denise Redeker about her heart disease journey which started at a young age and ended up resulting in a heart transplant. Denise talks about all of the obstacles she has faced and her incredible recovery which has brought her to being an avid runner and hiker! Denise is also the founder of Heartfelt Help Foundation, a nonprofit organization which aims to assist transplant recipients afford the full scope of recovery expenses, including housing, transportation, and home health which are not covered by insurance.

Heartfelt Help Foundation Web Site
Heartfelt Help Foundation Instagram
Heartfelt Help Foundation Facebook
Denise Redeker on Instagram