Family Images Restored Courtesy of Figge Photography
GENERATIONS OF HEART DISEASE
![](https://microvasculardisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LEOCADIA-150x150.png)
Great-Grandmother Leocadia
Died: 71 years old
Cause of Death: Heart Disease
For at least three generations Founder Sue Shershenovich’s family has suffered from heart related illnesses. In honor of her Great-Grandmother Leocadia who had 6 children, 5 of which suffered heart related deaths, Sue created Leocadia Inc. to fight for a brighter future.
If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, you have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about your family history. Having a family history of cardiovascular disease is sometimes called a ‘non-modifiable’ risk factor – this means it’s a risk factor that you can’t change.
However, whilst you can’t change your family’s background, you can choose your lifestyle. Being physically active, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, managing your blood pressure and monitoring your cholesterol levels are healthy ways to do your part to make a difference.
![](https://microvasculardisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1sibling3-150x150.png)
1st Child
Died: 67 years old
Cause of Death:
Stroke
![](https://microvasculardisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2sibling2-150x150.png)
2nd Child
Died: 61 years old
Cause of Death:
Heart Attack
![](https://microvasculardisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/3sibling4-150x150.png)
3rd Child
Died: 78 years old
Cause of Death:
Heart Disease
![](https://microvasculardisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/4sibling5-150x150.png)
4th Child
Died: 29 years old
Cause of Death:
Pneumonia
![](https://microvasculardisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/5sibling6-150x150.png)
5th Child
Died: 56 years old
Cause of Death:
Heart Attack
![](https://microvasculardisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/6sibling3-150x150.png)
6th Child
Died: 52 years old
Cause of Death:
Heart Attack
![](https://microvasculardisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Shershanovich_Grandparents_16x20-1-819x1024.jpg)
Grandmother Stella
Died: 67 Years Old
Cause of Death: Stroke
(Heart Disease, Insulin Dependent Diabetic)
1st Child – Sue’s Father Richard
(Diabetic, Heart Disease, Hypertension)
Died: 77 years old
Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer
1st Heart Attack: Age 63
2nd Child
Died: 53 years old
Cause of Death: Diabetic Complications
3rd Child
Still Living
1st Heart Attack: Age 69
![](https://microvasculardisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Screen-Shot-2017-06-06-at-8.11.46-AM-774x1024.png)
Sue’s Father Richard
(Diabetic, Heart Disease, Hypertension)
Died: 77 years old
Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer
1st Heart Attack: Age 63