I am excited to share that I have been nominated as an American Heart Association’s 2026 Woman of Impact. This could not come at a more poignant time in my heart failure journey, as this March is the 10th anniversary of my diagnosis. Despite advances in science, technology, and medicine the statistic remains—only 35% of people diagnosed with heart failure live to see 10 years post diagnosis.
This nomination means so much to me for two reasons. First, after I was diagnosed, I found myself in a deep depression. I tried for two years to continue practicing law but it was not sustainable, not for my body or mental health and not for my company, although they were so amazing and accommodating. My whole identity was wrapped up in being an attorney. Ever since I was three years old if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said “a tap dancer, a waitress and a Supreme Court Justice.” Well, I was a dancer for 16 years, I bartended and waited tables all throughout my adult life (student loans), and I was a lawyer (close enough). Not being able to practice law left a huge void in my life. The life I had pictured for myself was crumbling before my eyes. I had to figure out a new path, one that could accommodate a very unpredictable, progressive, and uncurable disease like heart failure, use my talents and also be as rewarding as being an attorney was. I slowly realized that being a voice and an advocate for heart failure patients was something I was good at and that gave me a sense of purpose again. Eight years ago, I created a support group for heart failure patients and their caregivers that has over 4,300 members worldwide and is growing every day. I travel the country sharing my story in hopes of inspiring others. I volunteer my time with medical technology and research companies and share my experiences with their devices that have saved my life. I advocate for community and support and surrounding yourself with the best medical team possible and I believe it is because of all of this that I was nominated to be a Woman of Impact.
Secondly, there was a time where I wasn’t sure I would make it out of the hospital in 2016, let alone see my 10-year anniversary. I have been the recipient of new medications that were not even FDA approved when I was first diagnosed. I was the first patient at New York Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital to have the CardioMems HF System that has greatly improved my quality of life. And as my disease progresses and I get closer to needing more advanced therapies like the LVAD or a heart transplant, I am confident I will continue to thrive because scientific and medical boundaries continue to be pushed. I truly believe I am here today because of advances in research, science and technology. None of this would be possible without fundraising and help from people like you. Ultimately, I am alive today because of grants, fundraisers and everyday people like you who give donations that go towards research and efforts to improve the lives of people living with cardiovascular diseases. And for that I am so very, truly grateful.
I have tried so very hard to make the best of this terrible disease. I am so thankful to my family, my doctors, my friends and support system. I want so badly for a future where no one gets a diagnosis of Heart Failure and that is why I am asking for your help. Not only would I be grateful for any donations you could afford, but I would be absolutely thrilled to be the American Heart Association’s National Woman of Impact. It would be an incredible culmination of all the obstacles I have to had overcome and all the hard work I have put into switching paths in life. If you can donate, please do so (the limit on the website is $25 but if that is too much, please contact me and I can take Venmo/PayPal or other forms of payment—EVERY AMOUNT helps). If you cannot afford to donate, please share this. The campaign goes until April 9th. If you own or work for a company that would like to sponsor me or collaborate, please feel free to reach out.
I am truly thankful for all of you. You have supported me and lifted me up since the day I was diagnosed and you are as much a part of why I am still here as any medication or medical device and I have so much love for you all.
The time is now. Are you with me? To support my campaign, click the Donate button.
Thank you.