I am honored to have been selected as one the Teens of Impact nominees in Illinois for the American Heart Association. While this recognition is meaningful, my journey with heart health awareness began much earlier, stemming from a deeply personal experience that shaped my understanding of cardiovascular disease's sudden and profound impact on families.

When I was five years old, my grandmother suffered a fatal heart attack at just 62 years of age. Though I was too young to fully comprehend the situation at the time, I vividly remember drawing a picture of her in the emergency helicopter that transported her to Loyola Hospital, innocently believing she would come home to us. That moment, though viewed through the eyes of a child, planted the seed for my current mission: preventing other families from experiencing similar unexpected losses through education and awareness.

A full decade after my grandmas passing, I'm leading a campaign focused on practical, life-saving knowledge that can make a real difference in our community. By promoting heart-healthy habits, teaching hands-only CPR, and raising awareness about cardiovascular health, we can empower people to protect themselves and their loved ones. Following in the footsteps of my father, who previously served as a Leader of Impact, and inspired by my parents' dedication to healthcare as physicians, I'm committed to creating meaningful change. Every dollar raised and every person educated brings us closer to a future where fewer families have to say goodbye too soon.

Click the Donate button to join me!