Family Images Restored Courtesy of Figge Photography
GENERATIONS OF HEART DISEASE
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.
1st Child Died: 67 years old Cause of Death: Stroke
2nd Child Died: 61 years old Cause of Death: Heart Attack
3rd Child Died: 78 years old Cause of Death: Heart Disease
4th Child Died: 29 years old Cause of Death: Pneumonia
5th Child Died: 56 years old Cause of Death: Heart Attack
6th Child Died: 52 years old Cause of Death: Heart Attack
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
Sue’s Father Richard (Diabetic, Heart Disease, Hypertension) Died: 77 years old Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer 1st Heart Attack: Age 63