ST. LOUIS — When Ashley Brooks was only six years old, doctors diagnosed her with a heart condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy. Her childhood remained normal until she was 18 and had a stroke during her senior year of high school.

While at the hospital, doctors listed her for a heart transplant when she was 20 years old.

Brooks began to experience chronic rejection 13 years later, which caused doctors to list her for a second transplant in 2018.

Since her last heart transplant, she describes “transplant life” as a whole different kind of ballgame. From frequent doctor’s visits to daily medication that keeps her alive, Brooks still pursues her love of travel and takes each day one at a time.

Brooks is one of many women to experience heart disease—the number one killer of women, according to the American Heart Association.

Wear red on Friday, February 7 to help raise awareness and save lives. For more information, visit GoRedForWomen.org.

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