South Florida Teacher Celebrates Surviving Heart Attack as Her New Birthday

family dressed in formal attire during a formal event
family photo dressed in beige, green and brown
selfie of two women
woman carrying a small baby

It’s been more than a year since the medical crisis that forever changed Tangela McBride’s life.

“Everyone tells me God still has a bigger plan for me.”

On September 13, 2024, McBride had a heart attack in front of her kindergarten class. She was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson South. Nearly 10 days later, she was discharged with an implanted defibrillator; the device applies an electrical charge to keep a steady heartbeat.

“I can’t thank the doctors enough for what they did for me,” McBride said.

Tangela returned to work on November 4, 2024. She was welcomed back with a badge of honor, t-shirts, and a parade decked out in her favorite color—purple. The administration also made sure to put Tangela in a less physically involved classroom, now she teaches second grade.

“I think the grade itself is very demanding and the kids require a lot so I wanted to be with an older group,” added McBride. “A lot of the kids I’m teaching now, I taught in kindergarten so I’m familiar with those students.”

Tangela considers September 13 her second birthday and 13 her lucky number. She uses the day to celebrate her triumph rather than focusing on the trauma.

“The number 13 is a significant number for me because my situation happened on the 13th and then 13 days later, I was blessed with a great grandbaby,” Tangela said.

With her second chance at life, Tangela makes sure to keep every second busy with travel, family, or education.

“One of the things I’ve kept busy with is that I went back to school to get my second masters,” said McBride.

“I’ve also done a lot of traveling this past year and spending plenty of time with my family.”

A year later, her mind hasn’t changed as she shares that Jackson is the only place she trusts with her health.

“I think every day I understand and appreciate life and I give all of that to the doctors, the staff, the first responders, even my coworkers,” McBride shared. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

McBride’s journey is a featured part of One Day for Jackson 2026. To donate or to learn more, visit OneDayforJackson.org.