Teen with Rare Heart Condition Helps Other Patients at Atrium

Charlotte teen Emily Dyer uses her hospital experiences to brighten the days of other pediatric patients.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Emily Dyer, a 17-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, has been living with a rare and life-threatening heart condition called Long QT Syndrome. Despite undergoing nearly a dozen surgeries and needing a pacemaker to survive, Dyer is using her time in and out of the hospital to help other patients. She started a donation drive called 'Heart for Hearts' to collect toys and treats for kids and teens in the pediatric wing at Atrium Health. Dyer wants to eventually return to Atrium as a nurse to continue helping people.

Why it matters

Dyer's story highlights the resilience and compassion of young people facing serious health challenges. Her efforts to brighten the days of other pediatric patients demonstrate the power of giving back, even in the midst of one's own medical struggles. Dyer's drive to pursue a career in healthcare after her own experiences as a patient also underscores the importance of representation and empathy in the medical field.

The details

Dyer was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, a genetic heart condition, when she was 6 years old. She has already undergone nearly a dozen surgeries and uses a pacemaker to survive. Despite the constant treatment, Dyer has found joy in the little things that helped her stay positive during hospital visits, like receiving stuffed animals. This inspired her to start 'Heart for Hearts,' a donation drive to collect toys and treats for other pediatric patients at Atrium Health. Dyer has already donated over 50 gift bags for kids and teens. She also loves swimming, though her condition has made it difficult at times. Dyer now wants to return to Atrium as a nurse, specifically a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), to continue helping people.

  • Dyer was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome at age 6.
  • Dyer received a defibrillator in her stomach at age 10 at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
  • Dyer started the 'Heart for Hearts' donation drive to help other pediatric patients.

The players

Emily Dyer

A 17-year-old Charlotte resident living with a rare and life-threatening heart condition called Long QT Syndrome.

Dr. Randall Bryant

The medical director of Pediatric Electrophysiology at Atrium Health, who explains the dangers of untreated Long QT Syndrome.

Atrium Health

The healthcare system where Dyer receives treatment and has started her 'Heart for Hearts' donation drive for pediatric patients.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Even being like 16, I was, like, happy to get, like, a stuffed animal. Like it was just fun getting something in the hospital.”

— Emily Dyer

“Severe cases of Long QT Syndrome can develop arrhythmias. Arrhythmias that are fast, or too fast for your heart to produce a blood pressure, and can be life-threatening.”

— Dr. Randall Bryant, Medical Director of Pediatric Electrophysiology, Atrium Health

“If you just look to the positive and don't look at the doctor's appointments, the surgeries, the hospital visits, the ER visits, if you don't look at stuff like that and you just look at it as a blessing, then I feel like it will work out.”

— Emily Dyer

What’s next

Dyer is continuing to collect more items for her 'Heart for Hearts' donation drive to support other pediatric patients at Atrium Health.

The takeaway

Emily Dyer's inspiring story demonstrates the power of positivity and giving back, even in the face of significant health challenges. Her efforts to brighten the days of other young patients at Atrium Health show how one person's compassion can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.