Michelle "Living With A Broken Heart"

Be Grateful For Every Second You Get To Spend With The People You Love. Life Is Precious.

Inspiration Diamond Art & Canvas Wall Art

By Michelle – “Living With a Broken Heart”

Once upon a time, I was just a regular woman navigating life like everyone else—until everything changed. I had to learn how to live as a woman “Living With a Broken Heart.”

My journey began with a massive heart attack—often called a “widow-maker.” My only chance of survival was the implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), which now supports my heart as I wait for a life-saving transplant.

I was given a second chance at life—a truly transformative opportunity to begin again. This experience allowed me to let go of the past and embrace a more purposeful, meaningful future filled with hope, strength, and gratitude. In many ways, I was given a “redo” of my life.

Through my art, I share that journey—turning pain into inspiration and creating pieces that reflect resilience, healing, and faith.

You can follow my LVAD “Bridge to Transplant” journey on Facebook:

Michelle – “Living With a Broken Heart”

Each day, I share real-life experiences, insights into living with an LVAD, and the importance of heart health and awareness.

👉 Michelle Living With a Broken Heart Facebook Journal

Please help spread awareness to those affected by heart disease and related conditions. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States—prevention and education are key.

With gratitude,

Michelle Barone

LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) – Bridge to Transplant Recipient

Left Ventricular Assistive Device

A Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) is a life-sustaining mechanical pump implanted in the chest to help a failing heart continue beating. Today, Michelle depends on an LVAD as she waits for a heart transplant. One moment, she was living her life as a successful woman, devoted mom, and loving wife… and in an instant, everything changed. Now, Michelle is living with a broken heart.

God Is Good

Michelle’s life has taken on a “new normal,” as she depends on batteries and electricity 24/7 to survive. Though each day can be difficult, she faces it with gratitude, thankful to her higher power for another chance at life. Her LVAD is sustaining her as she patiently waits for the life-changing gift of a donor heart.

Heart Melange

Michelle continues to fight every day for disability, yet has seen no victory. Her inability to work, combined with not being able to access her full Social Security benefits due to her age, has added even more hardships. She struggles with never-ending medical bills, housing costs, and living expenses. Despite these challenges, Michelle finds relief through her artwork. Her Diamond Art and Canvas Wall Art help ease her stress, anxiety, and fear of the unknown.

Diamond Paintings & Canvas Wall Art

DIAMOND ART is a stress-free activity that relaxes both the mind and body. This creative outlet is perfect for promoting relaxation and overall mental well-being. Using an applicator, Michelle carefully applies hundreds of sparkling resin rhinestones, one by one, onto an adhesive canvas. The result is a vivid, shimmering work of art. Each canvas is then sealed, stretched, framed, and ready for your enjoyment.

CANVAS WALL ART involves the process of acrylic painting, where pigments are mixed with a drying-oil binder. This technique has long been a popular choice for creating durable, water-resistant artwork on canvas. After painting, each canvas is dried, carefully wrapped, and stretched onto a pinewood frame—ready to hang and admire.

VIEW AVAILABLE ARTWORK

I purchased a diamond painting, and it truly brightens both my mood and my home. It’s beautifully put together, and knowing Michelle and her struggles makes my heart happy to support her. Michelle is someone everyone should have the opportunity to know and have as a friend.
KRISTIE PUSATERA

The canvas wall art I purchased feels like a breath of fresh air for the soul, washing away the dust of everyday life. Living with the positivity and strength that Michelle embodies is truly uplifting. Her resilience and creativity are an inspiration, and every time I look at her art, I’m reminded of the power of hope and perseverance.
SAMANTHA LANGE

Michelle’s artwork is more than just beautiful—it’s a lifeline that helps her navigate each day, offering a momentary escape from her financial struggles. Every piece is completely unique, one of a kind, and being able to see it every day feels like a true blessing. Each creation carries a piece of her heart and resilience, making it all the more inspiring.
GABE CAPORALE

Heart disease is a leading global cause of death, encompassing various conditions, most commonly coronary heart disease. It is often preventable or manageable through education and lifestyle changes. Education is vital in reducing the world’s leading cause of death by empowering individuals to manage their risk factors.

Michelle’s heart attack came on suddenly—a silent heart attack that ultimately turned into a widow-maker, causing 100% blockage of her left anterior artery. She was placed on life support until her cardiac team determined that a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with a bridge to transplant would be her only chance at survival.

Looking back, the stress and grief I witnessed her endure following the death of her oldest son pushed Michelle to her limits. Unusual fatigue, stress, and anxiety were warning signs, but she didn’t recognize them because she was overwhelmed with grief. No mother should ever have to bury her child.

Michelle’s life has changed forever, yet she continues to thank God for the second chance at life He has given her. She views her LVAD as a miraculous, life-saving gift from God, providing a bridge to transplantation. Faith is her source of strength, and by God’s grace, Michelle was given a second chance at life.

Thank you for taking the time to view her artwork. I hope you enjoy its beauty as much as she enjoys creating it. You can follow her LVAD journey on Facebook at @Michelle: “Living With A Broken Heart.” Each day, she shares insights about her LVAD experience and the importance of heart health.

Please help Michelle ease her financial burden by purchasing one of her pieces. Each diamond art or canvas wall art piece will bring love and joy into your home. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.