A teenager from South Carolina is on a mission to raise awareness about heart health after overcoming a near-fatal experience brought on by her hidden medical conditions. Emilee Sparks, a resident of Summerville, was diagnosed with two serious heart conditions: Ebstein’s anomaly, a congenital defect, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disorder that thickens the heart muscle. Despite the significant impact these conditions had on her life, Emilee, now 18, chose to downplay her symptoms and kept her situation largely secret from her friends and teachers.
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The turning point came in November 2024, when Emilee, then a 17-year-old senior in high school, collapsed while rushing up a staircase at school. She recalled that morning, stating, “I had incorporated a total of three rest breaks while walking to class, but that morning, I was running late and skipped one of my breaks.” As she ascended the stairs, she began to feel her legs go numb, and her heart raced. Emilee pushed herself to reach the top, telling herself that she could take a break once she got there.
However, the situation escalated quickly. Emilee lost her vision and consciousness just moments later. School nurses rushed to her aid, administering CPR as they awaited the arrival of emergency services. Emilee later described the chaotic scene as she regained consciousness, reporting that she felt “confused” and alarmed by the number of people surrounding her, including school administrators and medical personnel.
The emergency incident prompted a series of medical evaluations, leading to a devastating diagnosis—end-stage heart failure. Emilee and her parents were informed that a heart transplant would be necessary for her survival. Accepting this grim reality was challenging for the teen. “Death is inevitable, but I was 17 and I had to fear death every day for eight months until I received my heart transplant,” she said. During this time, Emilee learned to slow down and prioritise her health over the façade of being ‘the tough girl.’
Being evaluated for a transplant brought Emilee a sense of relief, as she realised that the severity of her condition had been significant. Before her diagnosis, she struggled to walk even short distances without experiencing chest pain. As she contemplated her future, she noted the unusual stress of having to make life decisions typically faced at much older ages, including drafting a will shortly after her 18th birthday.
On July 4, 2025, Emilee received her new heart. However, the journey was far from over. “When it was transplant day, I had a panic attack right before being rolled back into the operating room,” she recounted. Following the surgery, Emilee faced a long recovery process fraught with anxiety. She found herself fearful of ordinary activities, such as showering, and had to adhere to strict limitations, which included not lifting heavy objects and refraining from driving—something she loved.
Through her experiences, Emilee has learned the importance of resilience. “Push through the rough patches or the flare-ups and bad days. There is light at the end, but that doesn’t mean you won’t hit rough patches again,” she advised others who may find themselves in challenging situations.
Now, Emilee is keen to share her story as a way of encouraging other young individuals with medical issues to speak openly about their health. “Tell your friends, tell your teachers, tell your family—just talk about it,” she urged. By sharing their experiences, individuals can alleviate the burden they carry and foster understanding among those who care about them. Emilee’s message is clear: “Don’t ever try to mask your symptoms. If you need a break, take one.”
Recently, Emilee was honoured by the American Heart Association, being named one of their Go Red for Women Class of Survivors for 2026. This recognition holds significant importance for her, as she expressed, “I have learned so much while also advocating for heart health and sharing my story in hopes to make others feel less alone.” Volunteering at the national level to promote heart health is now one of her proudest accomplishments, demonstrating her commitment to raising awareness and supporting others in similar situations. Emilee’s transformation from a silent sufferer to a vocal advocate for heart health serves as an inspiration for many, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and perseverance can prevail.