Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis’s life is a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of advocacy. As a stroke and heart attack survivor, Hyvelle’s journey to recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary. After enduring a stroke, heart attack, and quadruple bypass surgery, she channeled her own painful experiences into something transformative. She founded Heart Sistas, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, stroke, and the healthcare disparities that affect women of color. Through this nonprofit, Hyvelle empowers Black women to take charge of their health, break cycles of neglect, and advocate for their well-being. Despite the many obstacles she faced, Hyvelle’s story is one of survival, advocacy, and hope, as she works tirelessly to make sure others don’t have to endure the same struggles she did.
Hyvelle’s journey began in 2014 when she first experienced troubling symptoms at work. “I had a headache and felt fuzzy,” she recalls. “I decided to head home, but I don’t even remember how I made it. I went straight to bed.” When she woke up hours later, her daughter noticed that something was terribly wrong. Hyvelle’s speech was slurred, and she couldn’t communicate properly. Her daughter, sensing the urgency, called her sister, who immediately insisted they call for an ambulance. By the time the EMS arrived, Hyvelle’s blood pressure was dangerously high. Despite these red flags, she still didn’t want to go to the hospital. “I was so focused on everything I had to do that going to the hospital wasn’t on my schedule,” she says. “I even finished my meal before heading to bed.”
It wasn’t until Hyvelle’s husband insisted on taking her to the emergency room that her condition was taken seriously. At first, the doctors misdiagnosed her symptoms as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke. “But my sister refused to let me go,” Hyvelle explains. “She knew something was seriously wrong.” After further testing, Hyvelle was diagnosed with an ischemic stroke at the age of 41. This diagnosis changed her life. “I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. I had to rely on others for the most basic things,” she shares.
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The recovery process was long and difficult, forcing Hyvelle to reassess everything. “It was frustrating,” she admits. “At 41, I had never imagined being in such a vulnerable state. I had to relearn walking, talking, and even eating. It was humbling and eye-opening, but it made me realize how much I had neglected my health.”
One of the key moments that shaped Hyvelle’s journey was the way the medical system initially overlooked her warning signs. “There were so many red flags,” Hyvelle reflects. “I had diabetes, high blood pressure, and back pain, but I didn’t get the tests I needed. A simple EKG might have detected the heart issues sooner.” Hyvelle now urges others to never ignore their symptoms, especially those with a family history of heart disease and stroke. “We have to advocate for ourselves and demand the care we deserve,” she says.
Hyvelle’s sister played a crucial role in her survival by advocating for her when she couldn’t speak up for herself. “Once you’re ill, the whole family suffers,” she says. “Having someone to fight for you is crucial. It’s important to have an advocate who can stand in for you, especially in the medical system. Your life might depend on it.”
Inspired by her own experience, Hyvelle founded Heart Sistas to help other women—especially Black women—take control of their health. “Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable,” she says. “But too often, we neglect our health because we’re so focused on taking care of others. Through Heart Sistas, I want to empower women to be proactive and speak up for themselves.”
Hyvelle’s health journey has been anything but easy, but she finds strength in her “why”—her family. “I want to live to see my children grow, to be there for them as they graduate, get married, and build their own lives,” she says. “I’m still here, and that’s a blessing.”
Today, Hyvelle is also involved in a groundbreaking documentary called The Making of a Heart Attack, which delves deep into the emotional and physical toll of heart disease. “This documentary shows the real stories of survivors,” she explains. “It goes beyond the surface and exposes the challenges people face. It’s time we open up the conversation about heart disease and its impact on all communities.”
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The documentary will air on A&E on June 14th, and Hyvelle encourages everyone to tune in. “This is a chance to educate ourselves and start conversations about heart disease,” she says. “Let’s raise awareness, get checked, and take action before it’s too late.”
Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies, advocating for ourselves, and prioritizing our health. Through her story and her work with Heart Sistas, she continues to inspire others to take control of their health and thrive, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
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