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The following is a copy of an article posted October 23, 2003
on the ABC-TV Web site (www.abc7.com) after Katie, Monica,
and Henry Weaver were interviewed on the 5PM news by KABC-TV
in Los Angeles.
Kelly Weaver
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HEALTHY LIVING — What killed a seemingly healthy
21-year-old woman? No one could explain it until now. Get
important information on the medical test that helped save
her sister and how it could keep your family healthy.
We have all heard of young athletes dying suddenly because
of a heart muscle defect, but there is another type of heart
problem that claims thousand of young lives every year. It
is treatable, but the first step is finding out. One local
family found out through heart breaking loss.
In September of 2001, many of us were sorting through the
tragedy of 9-11. In Fountain Valley, Henry and Monica Weaver
were dealing with their own senseless loss. Their eldest daughter
Kelly had a series of seizures. She collapsed and died. At
first, nobody could explain why.
Henry Weaver said, "We were dumfounded because here's
a healthy young lady and then all of a suddenly she's gone."
Two years later, near tragedy strikes the Weavers again;
Kelly's sister Katie experiences the same life-threatening
event
Katie Weaver said that she had no warning signs, but this
time doctors were prepared.
Katie and her late sister Kelly both had an undetected disorder
of the heart's electrical system. Long QT Syndrome. Stress
can trigger an attack.
Because of Kelly's death, her family underwent EKG screening.
It turns out Katie and her father both have Long-QT. Both
received medication and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
About three to five thousand people die unexpectedly because
of this hereditary condition.
Most experts say it's not feasible for everyone to get an
EKG, but the Weavers want to spare other families from this
pain. In honor of Kelly, they hold public EKG screenings in
their community.
Doctors say patients can live long normal lives through treatment.
The Weavers are holding a Memorial Walk and Screening on
Sunday November 23, at Huntington Central Park in Huntington
Beach at 10:00 a.m.
For more information log onto www.sparklingangel.org
or call 714-963-6542.
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