Bend woman’s sudden death puts focus on heart health

February is American Heart Month, and the discussion of heart health hits close to home for some Central Oregonians. A celebration of life just took place for a beloved Bend woman who passed away recently after her heart suddenly failed.

Kyndra Papernik died on Dec 28 at her boyfriend’s family home.

Loved ones describe her as effervescent, nurturing, generous, vivacious and loving.

At Sunday’s celebration of life, which drew friends and family across the country, they said Kyndra filled the world with love, and is gone too soon.

“I think she lived a long, healthy life in a short 26 years,” said Tom Luersen, who knew her well.

A close friend, Mary Catherine Luersen, said, “The memories that I cherish the most are just her relationship with my family. We’ve known her for a long time.”

Kyndra’s boyfriend, Chris Luersen, said, “Luckily I was able to tell her I loved her before we went to bed.”

It started out as a peaceful evening, before tragedy struck.

“Four hours later, at 4:06 in the morning, my son yells for help,” Tom said.

They say she was struggling to breathe and quickly became unresponsive.

“It’s hard to think about. It was so fast,” Chris said.

Chris’s little sister coached him through CPR before medics arrived.

Doctors stabilized her, but it was too late.

“I think about her as much as possible,” Chris said. “A lot of time, I forget that she’s gone.”

Kyndra had been a part of Chris’s life since 2002, when they met as freshmen at Summit High.

She also shared a tight bond that many envy with her mother. A month before Kyndra passed away, she made the move to San Diego.

“There is no doubt that I will be forever changed by Kyndra and her passing, but most importantly her living,” Chris said.

The question still burning in everyone’s mind: Why?

“They didn’t know,” her boyfriend said. “They know her heart stopped and her heart failed. They didn’t know why and they didn’t know how.”

Dr. Michael Broukhim, interventional cardiologist, said, “This has been the most difficult case of my professional career, hands down.”

What her friends and family do know is a young woman with a huge heart and loving spirit will never be forgotten.

“Definitely live my life differently, I’ll travel most. Be little bit more free-spirited, a little more ‘Kyndra-esque,'” Chris said.

Broukhim said that they are still waiting for official autopsy results, but he thinks she experienced viral myocarditis, which means a viral infection attacked her heart.

It’s very rare, especially in patients Kyndra’s age.

Broukhim still encourages everyone, especially women, to get regular checkups and live a heart-healthy lifestyle. We have much more about ways to ensure Heart Health at our special section at KTVZ.COM.