• Read more about Brandi’s Story: Heart’s Electrical Problem Gives Runner Pause

For 41-year-old athletic trainer Brandi Docket, running was a way of life. From starting as a hobby to becoming a way to lose weight after giving birth to her children, it gave her a sense of accomplishment. A couple of years ago, however, Brandi started experiencing what she calls “episodes,” where she felt a heaviness in her chest and got dizzy and light-headed. The episodes would only last a few minutes, but they were concerning for her and her doctor. She was referred to the Cooper Heart Institute for testing.

Her Cooper cardiologist, Rido Cha, MD, set her up

• Read more about Isaiah’s Hope

Sarah Ruter just knew something was not right with her almost-10-month-old son, Isaiah. She, her husband and their baby had flown from their home in central Iowa to visit friends and family and do some sightseeing on the East Coast in October 2013. But for about four days, Isaiah had been unusually fussy, had stopped breastfeeding, and seemed weak and dehydrated. Not knowing what to do, they took Isaiah to two South Jersey pediatricians, who referred them immediately to Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper.

In the Pediatric Emergency Department, Isaiah was admitted immediately and given a battery of tests: ultrasound

• Read more about Ilene: Cancer Genetic Testing Saved My Life

Ilene, the eldest of three sisters, was devastated. Her middle sister, Laura, had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 44. The family, already very close, became even closer as they supported Laura through her treatment and recovery.  

• Read more about Dona Halter: "Back to Normal" After Colon Cancer

My husband Pete is my rock. He’s a Sheriff’s Officer in Salem, NJ, and I work for a company that manufactures mechanical seals. Together Pete and I have two wonderful children — both teenagers.

• Read more about Debby Madiraca: Every Day Is a Gift

I was 34 years old and seven-and-a-half months pregnant when I felt a lump in my breast. It was the week before my baby shower. At first I thought, “My body is changing so much because of my pregnancy, it’s probably nothing,” but I figured I would just mention it to my doctor at my next prenatal appointment.