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Woman develops new app after losing husband to sleep apnea

Posted at 4:50 AM, Feb 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-22 23:44:21-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After she lost her husband to sleep apnea, one woman was inspired to raise awareness about the condition by developing a phone app.

Mary Schaff's husband, John, first started to show symptoms for the disorder in his 40's, which included troubled breathing in the middle of the night.

Despite visits to his physician, he went undiagnosed for years which put a strain on his organs and heart.

John Schaff died in 2015.

His wife Mary worked closely with Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer to develop 'Sleep by Cleveland Clinic,' an app that directs people to doctors if they show symptoms of sleep apnea or other disorders.

'Sleep by Cleveland Clinic' is available in the Apple App Store.

The 5th annual John Schaff Platform Tennis Classicstarted on Friday and continues Saturday through 10 p.m.

All proceeds go towards the Cleveland Clinic to raise money for the app and additional research.