My Mother, Juanita Vaughan, was diagnosed with heart disease and cardiac amyloidosis in 2012. From the moment I found out about her condition, I made it a point to learn as much as possible about the disease and how I could help her fight it. Although there was little to no information regarding amyloidosis, I found a ton of information regarding heart disease. I was both surprised and frustrated to learn that not only was heart disease the #1 killer of women, but that it could be prevented with a few lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise. It wasn't always an easy process and there were many challenges along the way, but my Mother committed herself to the lifestyle change and fought her way through it. Despite doctors giving her only one year to live, she lived for three.
Sadly, my Mother's battle with heart disease and cardiac amyloidosis ended on January 23, 2015.
Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. So if you haven't been directly affected by heart disease, I'm sure you know someone who has. Today, I ask you to join me in the fight against heart disease by raising awareness and funds in support of the American Heart Association and Go Red For Women.