About The Book

• A powerful and inspiring true story about a girl from south Minneapolis who overcame extraordinary adversity and impossible odds to become an elite level hockey player.
•  Diagnosed with a potentially fatal genetic heart condition at age 10 and placed on daily high dosage beta blockers, which drained her physical and emotional energy and caused depression, the girl never gave in and never gave up.
• Almost inconceivably she played for multiple AAA teams that won national and international championships, was twice named to the Minnesota Girl's High School "All State" team, played 4 years of D1 college hockey, and then 4 years as a professional in the Swedish Elite League.
•  In doing so the girl was the person responsible for the Mayo Clinic expert and other international heart experts rewriting the rules which previously banned or severely limited athletes with her diagnosis from competition so that they can now compete. 

WHAT WAS HER HEART DIAGNOSIS?

At age 10, Delaney Middlebrook, was diagnosed with long QT syndrome, also known as "Sudden Death Syndrome" because an electrical misfiring of the heart can occur when beating at fast speed which can cause dizziness, fainting, or in extreme cases, the heart to stop beating. The protocol for persons who have the diagnosis but have never experienced an episode is to be placed on beta blockers, which cause the heart to beat at greatly reduced capacity. The protocol in place at the time Delaney was diagnosed in 2003 also was to prohibit the person from any sort of athletic competition.

WHY WAS SHE ALLOWED TO COMPETE? 

Delaney's world renowned specialist from The Mayo Clinic noted that she had never previously experienced any heart issues and that she would now be on heavy dose beta blockers so any risk was minimal. He also recognized that banning her from sports could cause irreparable psychological damage so he made the unprecedented decision to allow her to continue to compete, or in his words "to be able to live".

HOW WAS SHE ABLE TO OVERCOME THE EXTREME SIDE EFFECTS OF THE BETA BLOCKERS?

This is the unanswered question. No - one, including Delaney's specialist at the Mayo Clinic, has been able to offer an explanation for Delaney's achievements and success other than her extraordinary drive and determination. He remains astounded at what she accomplished as an athlete

HAVE THE RULES WHICH PROHIBITED ATHLETES WITH LONG QT SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS FROM COMPETING BEEN CHANGED?

Yes, and according to Delaney's specialist at the Mayo Clinic, she is the main reason for this, the trailblazer and a "real hero." Hundreds of athletes are now able to compete because of The Girl Who Played Hockey.

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