Tina Marie Marsden - Founder, Peer Support Specialist, Mentor, LVAD Ambassador (Abbott), Patient Leader (Heart-failure.net), Legislative Advocate (Georgia American Heart Association)
At the age of 28, Tina Marie experienced her own maternal health crisis when early warning signs were missed during and after her pregnancy. Just four (4) months after giving birth she was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a form of pregnancy-induced heart failure.
Her inability to recover from heart failure (and a lung cancer diagnosis) led to the need of a mechanical heart pump/LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device). Today, 21 years after her initial diagnosis Tina Marie continues her fight to overcome her chronic medical issues due to PPCM. Through her own lived experience she fully understands that "A maternal health crisis can have a lifelong impact."
This is what drives her to advocate for awareness and change. She has turned her lived experience as a PPCM survivor into purpose. Tina Marie offers a variety of support services and mentorship to other mothers who have experienced a maternal health crisis. She also founded Sistas Meetup which is a non-traditional support group that shows women they can continue to live life beyond their diagnosis.
Tina Marie’s work has grown to include systemic and legislative advocacy. Understanding that the policies, practices, and laws that govern us may directly impact quality of life. She is genuinely passionate about being of service to others. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her strength comes from her faith in God, and her greatest joys come from watching her adult sons prosper as young men.