Houston, Texas – A young cheerleader’s life changed forever when she collapsed on the football field during a game. Chloe Burke, a former collegiate cheerleader at the University of Houston, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 21. Despite no prior history of heart issues in her family, tests revealed a rare heart condition that led to the life-threatening event.
Burke underwent intense open heart surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, but she defied the odds by returning to the football field just 11 weeks after her surgery. Now, as a beauty queen and advocate for heart health, she is on a mission to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and the importance of CPR and access to defibrillators.
With a strong emphasis on education, Burke is lobbying for new legislation to introduce CPR training in schools and ensure broader access to AEDs. She has partnered with the American Heart Association to advocate for heart health bills in Washington, DC, including the Cardiomyopathy HEARTS Act and the Access to AEDs Act.
Burke’s journey to recovery and advocacy highlights the importance of early detection and proper diagnosis. Despite facing challenges with her heart condition, she has managed to graduate college and pursue her passion as a personal trainer. Through her platform as a beauty queen, she continues to spread awareness about cardiac arrest and empower others to take proactive steps in their own heart health.
Looking back on her experience, Burke acknowledges the need for individuals to be proactive about their health and listen to their bodies. By sharing her story and advocating for heart health, she hopes to inspire others to prioritize their well-being and take action to prevent life-threatening cardiac events.