Katie Ferguson is a heart disease survivor, caregiver advocate and community leader in Acadiana. After being diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm and bicuspid aortic valve, she underwent open heart surgery in January 2023 and now champions awareness of women’s cardiovascular health.
She served as the immediate past chair of American Heart Association’s Greater Acadiana Go Red for Women campaign. A 2020 Fellow of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Ferguson dedicated more than 15 years to caring for a catastrophically injured family member and advocating for caregiver rights. She is also a recipient of the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women award for her advocacy and community service.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
What first pulled you into heart advocacy work, and how has that connection evolved over time?…