Cacharel Davis, 37, who has Marfan syndrome, was hospitalized Aug. 31 with an aortic dissection and aneurysm. After nearly three weeks in intensive care, she was discharged Sept. 17 and awaits open-heart surgery; her sister Danielle Sullivan urges regular monitoring.
Two weeks before the dissection, Davis told Sullivan she lacked insurance when urged to see a cardiologist. Davis had not had an echocardiogram in years, while Sullivan continued annual scans. Both sisters inherited Marfan syndrome; their father died at 35 in 1994 from complications of an aortic dissection and aneurysm, and the family learned afterward that he had the disorder.
Experts estimate nearly half of people with Marfan syndrome do not know they have it; early diagnosis and routine follow-up can help prevent life-threatening complications. The Marfan Foundation connected Davis with a cardiothoracic surgeon, and Sullivan’s fundraiser had raised more than $20,000 by late last week.
