Gene was training for the CRIM 10 mile race and started to experience shoulder pain while running. As it became more frequent, he started to worry and made an appointment with his doctor.

He had a physical a few months earlier and everything came back normal, so his initial thought was that he had a pinched nerve. The only other symptom he was experiencing was increased general fatigue, but it wasn’t something he correlated with the pain.

The day before his appointment date, he heard the story about another survivor, Dave Schaeffer. He was a fellow runner who experienced similar symptoms and suffered a major heart attack. During his appointment, Gene and his doctor discussed what had happened to Dave. To be on the safe side, a stress test was scheduled. The results showed 95% blockage, and a procedure to place a stent was arranged within days.

Gene is very eager to share his story to inspire others to be vigilant about any symptoms that seem abnormal. The ripple effect of hearing about Dave is what prompted him to pursue additional tests for himself.

Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss any changes in your health. With heart disease, silence can be deadly.