Emily Boone
We are now Thryv.
LQT Therapeutics Inc. has changed its name to Thryv Therapeutics Inc.
My name is Emily Boone, and I have Long QT Syndrome (LQTS).
In 2008, just two days before my 16th birthday, I was diagnosed with LQTS, and as a young athlete actively participating in basketball, volleyball and track, the diagnosis marked a difficult personal transition for me. I finished out that last basketball season with my team celebrating as Washington State Champions, and soon afterward received an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) and started to focus on things I could control.
At age 28, I am currently on my third ICD battery and thankful for feeling highly energetic and hungry for life.
Since receiving my LQTS diagnosis, I have hiked the Himalayas, dedicated years to yoga practice, and volunteered at both South Africa's Hout Bay International School and Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh Rehabilitation Hospital.
Living with LQTS has increased my awareness for daily gratitude. As life proves unpredictable, I believe it is essential for us all to recognize the beauty in daily activities, habits, and happenings. With a thankful mindset, I aspire to encourage hope, motivation and gratitude in my practice, while promoting occupational justice across all populations.
In December 2019, I earned my Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. Today, I am working as a full-time occupational therapist with focus on traumatic brain injury, neurological rehabilitation and promoting occupational justice. In my spare time, I enjoy my continued yoga practice, along with getting out in nature, calling friends and advocating for social equity.
I will let you know, it was difficult for me to write my story above, as I felt rather vain and conceited (similar to writing a cover letter for a resume or job application!). However, I know sharing our collective patient stories is vital for increasing the awareness of Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS).
More than anything, I want to demonstrate our minds - and not our physical bodies - are our main sources of limitation, and anything is possible!
For more Shared Stories, click here.
