Joyce's Story: Sowing Seeds of Change for Heart Disease

At 82 years old, Joyce has built a life full of activity, love for the land, and a deep commitment to family and health. Living in rural Northwestern Ohio near a small town of 1,500 people, she’s a testament to what it means to live well and stay active, no matter the age. “I keep myself very active. I walk every day. I garden. I have a big lawn to keep,” she says with a smile.

But Joyce’s health journey has never been without its challenges. Heart disease runs deep in her family, and over the years, she learned to be vigilant about her heart health. “My family is awash with heart disease,” Joyce reflects, explaining how heart issues have impacted several generations. “Somewhere way back along the line, somebody said there’s a familial thing. And so we all became aware of the heart and the things to do to keep our health better.”

With that knowledge in hand, Joyce was proactive in keeping her health in check, especially as she got older.

It wasn’t until Joyce learned about a clinical trial opportunity nearby that she discovered she has a high level of Lp(a), a particular type of cholesterol that is genetically determined. Unlike LDL cholesterol, Lp(a) levels can’t be changed by exercise or diet.

Unfortunately, high Lp(a) comes with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, making it even more critical for people with this condition to monitor their heart health carefully.

When Joyce found out she was eligible for a clinical trial for a potential treatment targeting Lp(a), she felt compelled to participate. The trial offered a chance to help advance medicine for others with this inherited condition that had affected her family for so long. “I don’t expect to benefit personally,” she says. “If you plant a tree, you don’t plan to sit under it in shade. So I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help.”

For Joyce, participating in a clinical trial wasn’t about personal gain—it was about contributing to research that could help future generations, just as she had worked to improve her own health.

Working alongside the care team at Care Access, Joyce found herself in capable hands. “Joyce is a fantastic person,” says Hasan, one of the research professionals working on the study. “She’s one of our first participants in the Lp(a) study. The visits are usually kept as simple as possible for the participant to come through and participate in an easy way. At the same time, we cover every single aspect of the study that we should be covering. Every aspect of the patient’s health that we should be covering.”

Joyce felt completely at ease with the care she received as a clinical trial participant. “Each step of the way, you’re being told ahead of time what we’re going to do and why we’re going to do it,” she says. “They’re so caring about how you feel.’”

For Joyce, participating in a clinical trial isn’t just about her personal health—it’s about trusting the research process and finding a way to help others who might benefit in the future. Joyce’s story is one of resilience, self-care, and the belief that even as we age, we can play a crucial role in the future of medicine.