A Message From The Leary Family

According to the American Heart Association, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) refers to a family of genetic disorders that cause abnormal thickening of the heart muscle.  The disease most commonly involves abnormalities in genes that regulate the heart muscle’s ability to contract and less commonly in other genes that alter normal functioning of the heart muscle.  HCM is a common genetic disorder that affects and estimated 1 in 500 people worldwide.  Signs and symptoms are often subtle (shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, and heart palpitations are a few examples). 

A small number of people with HCM, however, are at risk for complications including heart failure and sudden death. The risk of heart complications can vary between families and among different members of the same family. Knowing your family’s history of heart disease is very important.  If a person has been diagnosed with HCM, all first-degree family members should be screened with cardiac imaging and/or genetic testing and should follow up regularly with a cardiologist who is knowledgeable in HCM.  The long-term outcome for people with HCM is very good and most patients with HCM have normal life expectancy without significant limitations or complications.

Jeff Leary was a devoted husband and father of 2 children, Brendan (now age 20) and Megan (now age 18).  Jeff loved physical activity, exercised faithfully and regularly participated in fundraising 5 & 10K runs.  He dedicated 20 years practicing Goju-Ru karate, eventually growing from a student to a senior member of the teaching core.  He coached his daughter’s multiple softball teams and also gave his time serving as a member of the board for Talleyville Girls Softball League. He had the most generous spirit and was greatly admired by all who were blessed to know and love him.  Jeff had the genetic mutation for HCM but was unaware. He was very dedicated to living the healthiest lifestyle possible and his goal was always to be in the best shape possible in order to enjoy playing with future grandchildren. Unfortunately, in June 2020, while on a trail run with friends, Jeff developed a fatal heart rhythm and suffered cardiac arrest. He was 51 years old.  Investigation into the cause of death revealed that Jeff had an enlarged heart. Genetic testing discovered the mutation, and multiple family members have undergone testing and receive proper medical attention if needed. Our daughter Megan inherited the genetic mutation and is now under the care of a cardiologist.  She is on medication and has undergone surgery to have an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) placed to prevent a potential arrhythmia. This has been a saving grace to all of us, especially since she is an avid softball player.  We want to help support the AHA’s mission to increase awareness of HCM, further research, and support those who are living with HCM.  We would very much appreciate your help and support!

Sincerely,

Karen, Brendan & Megan Leary

For more information and support, contact:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association – www.4hcm.org

American Heart Association – heart.org/hcm