Petty Officer Kelsey Gumm first experienced problems with her health after a long and strenuous workout during boot camp. She woke up in the back of an ambulance and doctors told her that she was dehydrated and sent her on her way. It was a new normal for her, occurring multiple times over the next ten years, each with a trip to the ER and a diagnosis of dehydration, exhaustion or an anxiety attack.

It would take 10 more years before Kelsey had a definitive answer about what was wrong, an irregular heart rhythm that could have killed her. It was a devastating but lifesaving diagnosis.

Immediately, Kelsey was forced into change. Her life in the Navy was effectively over, but thanks to the American Heart Association she says her story can help others recognize the signs before it’s too late.

Kelsey shared her experience on CBS 58 Sunday Morning.

Kelsey will be honored with the Hero with Heart award at the Greater Milwaukee Heart & Stroke Walk/5K Run on Saturday, September 29 at Veteran’s Park at 10am.

Click here to learn more about the American Heart Association.

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