Woman battling heart disease hosts blood drive

Ten years ago, Abi-Gaye Smythe lay in a hospital bed hooked up to oxygen because her lungs had collapsed after her first cardiac surgery.

She knew then that she had to do everything in her power to not only combat heart disease, but help others to fight it. Since 2012, her I Have A Heart Foundation has been raising awareness of heart disease across Jamaica and providing assistance, including financial support to heart patients. This Saturday, several persons are set to benefit from the foundation's ninth blood drive at the National Chest Hospital in St Andrew, between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

"It is in partnership with media personality and social media influencer Kareem Bwoy A Tingz. This is our third blood drive together. Some of the blood collected will assist more than 17 to 20 indigent patients, including adolescents and young adults, who will undergo free heart surgery between January 16 to 20 [through our partners]," said Smythe.

Losing her mother to heart disease at age 39, Smythe said more needs to be done.

"Every year, over 6,000 people die of heart disease in Jamaica and many of those deaths are preventable through awareness, education, and support. I've started raising awareness and I've started educating and I am working my way up to providing support. Living with heart disease is very expensive and a lot of people end up suffering long and/or dying because they cannot afford treatment. I want to assist some of those people," she said.

With approximately 60,000 units of blood needed annually, and the blood bank collecting only about half of that number, Smythe underscored the importance of collaboration and having those in a position to do more to join the cause.

"Every day someone needs a blood transfusion ... This is why I do what I can to help. There is so much to be done and the government can't do everything," she said.

Smythe, who was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia in 2011, has been living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator/battery in her chest to prevent cardiac arrest. She continues to defy the odds daily and wants that to be the reality of those losing hope.

"I am even exercising now, something that was impossible before, and something that would have easily killed me. As the science of the disease has it, there should have been major deterioration in my heart by now. But I believe my faith in God, my lifestyle of exercise and dieting, and doctors' care are defying that ... I am now at the prime age where progression really starts. While I am a tad bit concerned, I am using my faith and lifestyle and regular screening to help me stay fighting," she said.

Smythe has been able to realise several of her dreams. She graduated from university with a bachelor's degree in 2018 following several missed semesters and low grades due to hospitalisations. She has also become a certified fitness trainer.

She said that she wants to grow her foundation and to open a gym that especially accommodates people with heart disease that need special monitoring.