Don’t Miss a Beat: My Story – Emonena Abenabe Akwara, Access Heart Foundation

I was born with a congenital heart defect—but I didn’t know.

I am from Nigeria, the Giant of Africa. A health educator, lawyer, speaker, author, entrepreneur and ambassador for Access Heart Foundation. I had an exciting childhood, I was into sports, I was seemingly a healthy child.

Then in my early adulthood, at 23 years old, I suffered a stroke because I had an infection called endocarditis that was ignored. I survived, but recovery was hard. Four years after the stroke, I was told I also had a leaky heart valve, which started the day I had a stroke. Another piece of my health puzzle that had gone unnoticed for far too long.

This year, everything made sense. In April, I was officially diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that had gone undetected since birth. It was a bittersweet moment becauseI had clarity, but also frustration that no one caught it sooner.

Still, I refused to be silent. I used my pain as fuel. I became a health educator, created an assistive device for stroke survivors, I also authored a book called “Hey! I Spotted a Stroke” a children’s book and created a youtube channel to educate children about preventive diseases including stroke. Additionally, I now lead campaigns to help others recognize the signs that almost went unnoticed in me. I was also chosen to be Mandela Washington Fellow 2025 at the United States of America. Guess what? I am still going to do more in the health sector!

Today, I live with purpose. Not just as a survivor but as someone committed to making sure others don’t get it wrong.

My message is simple: Don’t miss a beat. Listen to your body. Ask questions. Speak up. Early detection can save lives—mine could have been very different if we had caught it sooner.