We are deeply saddened to report that Kierra Campbell, a mother of seven, recently passed away from congestive heart failure.

We are deeply saddened to report that Kierra Campbell, a mother of seven, recently passed away from congestive heart failure. Her story is heartbreaking and far too familiar. Young, vibrant, loved, and gone too soon.

Congestive heart failure, also known as CHF, happens when the heart can no longer pump blood the way it should. As a result, fluid begins to build up around the heart and lungs, making it harder to breathe, move, and function normally. It is a serious condition that is now affecting more young people than ever before, especially within the Black community.

So what is causing it? For some, it may be hereditary, passed down from parents or grandparents who dealt with high blood pressure or heart issues. But genes are only one part of the story. Lifestyle and diet play a huge role. Eating habits that include too much salt, sugar, fried food, and processed ingredients put unnecessary strain on the heart. A lack of movement, chronic stress, and limited access to quality healthcare can all make things worse.

There has also been growing concern about whether COVID-19 or the vaccine could be connected to heart complications. Some people have reported inflammation of the heart muscle after infection or vaccination, especially among younger individuals. Health experts say these cases are rare, but ongoing research is still being done to understand the full picture.

The reality is that CHF does not have a single cause. It is complex, and in many cases, preventable. What we do know is that we cannot afford to ignore the signs. If you experience shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or feet, constant fatigue, or an unusual heartbeat, do not brush it off. Listen to your body. Get checked. Ask questions.

Kierra Campbell’s passing is a painful reminder that heart failure is no longer just something that affects the elderly. It is creeping into younger generations, and it is hitting our community hard. Let this be a wake-up call. Let her memory move us to pay attention to our hearts before it is too late.