
How the Apple Watch Series 10 Became a Lifesaver for Woman Battling Blood Cancer
2025-04-11
Author: Ming
In a remarkable story of technology saving lives, the Apple Watch Series 10, along with its Vitals app, has been hailed for potentially saving a woman's life from the dire consequences of untreated blood cancer.
Amanda Faulkner, a New Zealand resident, found herself receiving alarming notifications from her Apple Watch, indicating that her resting heart rates were unusually high. Initially dismissing these alerts, she attributed the changes to factors such as a heavy menstrual cycle, the sweltering December heat, and her physical activities.
However, when the Vitals app continued to notify her about these concerning outliers over several days, Faulkner decided it was time to take action. She consulted with her doctor, bringing along the health data from her watch.
This proactive decision led to immediate referrals for testing at a nearby emergency department, where doctors delivered shocking news: Faulkner had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.
Medical professionals informed her that had she waited any longer to seek help, the situation could have taken a fatal turn due to complications from the disease. Thanks to the vigilance of her smartwatch, she caught the illness in time.
Now preparing for a stem cell transplant scheduled for July, Faulkner reflects on the pivotal role her Apple Watch played in her journey. "The Apple Watch Series 10 and its data made a life-changing difference for me," she stated, emphasizing how it increased her chances of overcoming cancer.
The Vitals app, introduced in watchOS 11, tracks essential overnight health metrics including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, wrist temperature, and sleep duration. By analyzing this data, the app provides users with insights into their everyday health, potentially saving lives as demonstrated by Faulkner's experience.