Michelle LaBounty was just 24 years old when her world changed forever. In March 1994, her mother, Jeri Jo Linney, passed away from a heart attack at just 45 years old. It was sudden. It was shocking. And it was something no one saw coming, especially not the doctors. 

“You don’t even realize who that person is and how much they mean until they’re not there anymore,” says LaBounty. 

She describes her mother as the glue of the family — generous, thoughtful and quietly powerful. LaBounty says her mom always planned the holidays, made birthdays special and never sought recognition. 

“She was just a tiny powerhouse,” LaBounty remembers. “Incredibly generous, not only with her time, but with all of our family.” 

Before the heart attack that took her away, Linney suffered from extreme fatigue. LaBounty recalls that for at least two years, her mom had to take a nap after getting done teaching just to have the energy to make dinner. And when Linney told her doctor she felt a “flutter,” or her heart racing often, they told her it was probably just stress or anxiety. 

LaBounty also says her mom complained about jaw and neck pain the last couple of weeks before the heart attack. Linney had been to the dentist, and at the time, they believed the pain was related to that. No one thought any of those symptoms could be her heart. After all, she was young. She was a woman. And back then, people didn’t talk much about heart disease in women. 

Now, LaBounty won’t stop talking about it.

“I just want people to know the signs,” she explains. “We had no idea that the symptoms my mom was experiencing were red flags for heart problems until we were in the ER with her and it was too late. Don’t ignore them. Don’t be embarrassed. Get checked out.” 

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

According to the American Heart Association, many women think the signs of a heart attack are unmistakable, like chest pain or discomfort and shortness of breath. However, the signs may not be obvious, can be confusing and are often chalked up to less life-threatening conditions such as acid reflux, the flu or normal aging. The Cleveland Clinic says many women have early warning signs that can happen hours, weeks or even months before a heart attack. 

Symptoms to watch out for include: 

• Unusual and significant fatigue
• Feeling anxious
• Frequent indigestion
• Fast heart rate
• Change in thinking or remembering (feeling “off” or foggy)
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble breathing or sleeping at night
• Tingling in your hands or arms, numbness or burning in your hands or fingers, weakness or heaviness in your arms
• Numbness or burning in your hands or fingers
• Cough
• More frequent or intense headaches
• Discomfort in your jaw or teeth 

If you experience any of these symptoms without another known cause, especially if you have more than one symptom, call 911 right away. 

LaBounty’s story is a powerful reminder that heart disease doesn’t always look the same in women as it does in men. If her mother had been heard, maybe things would have turned out differently. But now, LaBounty is making sure other families get a second chance. 

Supporting Local Cardiac Care

Every year on her mother’s birthday, she does something special to honor her memory. One year, she gave scholarships to students who wanted to become teachers — just like her mom. This year, she wanted to do something that would help people live longer, healthier lives. 

LaBounty donated money to The Foundation of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital to buy a brand-new cardiac rehab bike. 

This isn’t just any bike. It’s a special piece of equipment that helps people recover after heart surgery or a heart attack. It’s already being used by patients, and soon it will be part of the brand-new Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab facility that The Foundation is raising money for. 

LaBounty says she wanted to give something “tangible” — something people could see and use. Something that could help save lives. She encourages others to consider giving back, especially when they’re able to do so. 

“We’ve been blessed with a successful business. And I feel strongly that it’s a small community and we have a responsibility to help when we can.” 

She also sees her gift as a way to keep her mother’s spirit alive. 

“She didn’t get to meet my kids, but I know she knows them,” she adds. “I try to live a life that would make her proud. That’s how I honor her.” 

The Foundation of CVPH is raising money to build a new Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab facility — one that will give more people the tools they need to heal, grow stronger and live longer. Learn more about the project and how your donation can make a difference.