In Video: Fashion designer gets new lease on life after heart attack
A New Heart, A New Purpose: A Designer’s Journey from the Brink of Death to Saving Lives through Fashion
As Heart Health Month comes to a close, one woman’s journey has just begun. Cece, a New York City-based fashion designer, has just relaunched her collection, but this time, it’s not just about clothes – it’s about a new lease on life and a purpose to save lives.
For Cece, fashion was always a fast-paced and glamorous world. As the designer behind the label, Nelson CC Lee, she had dressed some of the world’s most famous women. However, her high-stress lifestyle came to an abrupt halt when she suffered a heart attack, a condition she was unaware she had, and was rushed to the emergency room with congestive heart failure caused by a childhood infection that was never treated.
From Near-Death Experience to Newfound Purpose
Dr. Narv Patel, a cardiologist at Northwell Lennox Hill Hospital, said that Cece’s condition was life-threatening. "The blood would pull up in the lungs, and you couldn’t breathe. You would start choking, and that’s what happened to her. She was admitted to the ICU and was connected to a maze of tubes and machinery, but miraculously, she started to get better day by day," he explained.
After a long and difficult recovery, Cece emerged from the ICU with a newfound appreciation for life. "I just took a deep breath, and I said, ‘Okay, God, if I’m here, it’s because you didn’t want me to die for a reason. I’m going to make the best of it.’ I’m going to use my platform to help others," she said.
A New Heart, A New Fashion Line
With a fresh perspective, Cece has redesigned her clothing line, incorporating the lessons she’s learned from her near-death experience. "I want to show the world that life is precious, and every day is a gift. I want to inspire others to live in the moment and chase their passions," she said. Her designs are no longer just about fashion; they’re about the chance to reevaluate priorities and find purpose.
From Patient to Advocate: Cece’s New Mission
With three months post-surgery, Cece is now an advocate for women’s heart health. She believes that her story can inspire others and that she can make a difference. "I want to share my experience and help others who may be where I was. I can’t change the past, but I can change the present and the future," she said.
Conclusion
As Heart Health Month comes to a close, Cece’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing one’s health and taking control of one’s life. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. "I’m not just wearing my heart on my sleeve; I’m wearing it on the clothes I design, and I’m using it to make a difference in the world," Cece said.
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