“It’s important that we put ourselves at the top of the to-do list. We don’t need to be number one, or two or three, but come on — let’s be in the top five.”

This week’s guest has a story that is nothing short of remarkable — Leigh Pechillo survived a widow-maker heart attack and overcame not one but four sudden cardiac arrests. Rather than letting these challenges define her, she has emerged as a passionate advocate for women and heart health as well as a staunch supporter of Hands-Only CPR awareness (a link to a video that teaches this life-giving practice can be found below).

I invited Leigh to the show this week because Friday is Go Red For Women’s Day and February is American Heart Disease Month — both highlight the importance of knowing your risk factors for heart disease as well as what to do if someone around you shows signs of having a heart attack.

In this episode, Leigh shares some surprising facts about at-home heart attacks – and her candid recounting of her own experiences and the lessons she learned is truly inspiring. Her resilience through the toughest times is a powerful testament to the strength derived from perspective, gratitude, and the belief that even the smallest efforts can make a significant difference.

I hope you will listen in and share this episode as it has life-giving information and showcases the incredible journey of someone who successfully turned adversity into advocacy.

The heart-related links Leigh mentions can be found below, and her Instagram handle is @wholeheartedleigh.

• Hands-Only CPR
• Go Red for Women Resources
• Leigh Pechillo Huffington Post Articles

If you are looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (U.S. only).