D Sophia’s Family Services: Where Wellness Begins with the Heart

At just 16 years old, Deanna Sophia Perdue is a courageous survivor, compassionate leader, and determined changemaker. Recently crowned Miss Saint Cloud Florida Teen USA, Deanna shines both on and off the stage—as a scholar, athlete, runway model, and passionate health advocate. Her life changed forever after she experienced sudden cardiac arrest, a rare and frightening event for someone her age. Through swift medical intervention, Deanna survived—but was later diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition. On her path to recovery, she underwent surgery to receive an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), a device that monitors her heart and protects her in case of another cardiac episode.

Instead of being defined by her diagnosis, Deanna chose to define her future by purpose. She founded D Sophia’s Family Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about heart health, stroke symptoms, and cardiac arrest—especially in youth sports and underserved communities. Her goal is to empower others with the knowledge that saved her life.

As an ambassador for the American Heart Association, Deanna uses her platform to educate others about the warning signs of heart issues, advocate for screening and safety measures in schools and athletic programs, and spread a message of hope. Her courage, advocacy, and authenticity are inspiring a new generation to pay attention to their health—and to never give up, even in the face of the unimaginable.

Through every step of her journey, Deanna remains committed to saving lives, one heart at a time.