Laura Bell Bundy’s Story

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Laura Bell Bundy is a country music recording artist and Broadway, television and film star. She also has congenital heart disease and volunteers for the American’ Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” movement. As a part of the 2014-2015 Go Red For Women “Real Women” national volunteers, Laura is also an advocate for the cause.

Laura has been waiting for medical science to catch up since she was 6 weeks old, when doctors discovered she has a congenital heart defect called Ventricular Septal Defect, meaning there was a hole in her heart. Doctors had to cut open her chest and crack the rib cage to perform surgery.

“I know that one day medical research is going to figure out a better, easier way to fix this all-too-common problem,” said Laura. “However, I’m 33 now and I don’t think I can wait much longer.”

While waiting for technology to catch up, Laura lived like she was not compromised, having parents that raised her to believe anything was possible. She began running competitively in high school, but faced some scares along the way.

“I was running cross country in high school, on a particularly hot day, and I literally passed out at the finish line,” Laura recalled. “Everything turned out okay, but the experience taught me to be wary of my limits.”

Laura is also proud to say that her heart condition hasn’t stunted her career. She has been able to sing and dance in high-intensity Broadway plays.

“My overall fitness and health has probably helped my body withstand some of the effects of my condition,” said Laura.

Laura thinks of all the others who could benefit from better detection, monitoring, treatment, repair and rehabilitation.

Laura emphasizes that medical research has come a long way in the last 30 years, but knows there’s a long way to go.

She urges everyone to join the Go Red For Women movement and “help us get there as quickly as possible.”

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