Some stories don’t just inspire you… they wake you up!
Dr. Toniya Farmer is my friend, my sister, and my soror. And one ordinary day on an Atlanta highway almost became the day we lost her.
What she thought was heartburn quickly became unbearable chest pain, jaw pain, shoulder pain, shortness of breath, and intense sweating. Something wasn’t right. And instead of ignoring it, she listened to her body.
She got herself to the hospital.
When she told the staff she felt like she was having a heart attack, her symptoms were initially dismissed as a panic attack, a reality far too many women face when experiencing cardiac emergencies.
But God.
In that emergency department, someone finally said, “Did you hear her?”
And not long after, her heart stopped.
She needed life-saving intervention, CPR, an AED, and immediate medical care.
By the grace of God and timely action, she survived!
But unfortunately, many women don’t.
Heart disease doesn’t have an age limit. It doesn’t wait. It doesn’t look the same for every woman. And we all know someone… a mother, an aunt, a sister, a friend, who has been affected by it.
The symptoms in women can look different. They can feel subtle. They can be easy to explain away.
That’s why awareness matters.
Survival became her assignment!
Since that day, Toniya has turned her testimony into impact, advocating for CPR and AED access, speaking boldly about women’s heart health, leading Heart Walk teams, and founding a survivor-led nonprofit rooted in awareness and prevention.
Because of her, I pay attention differently.
Because of her, I listen to my body more closely.
Because of her, I understand that knowledge and preparation can literally save a life.
This campaign isn’t just about wearing red.
It isn’t just about sharing heart health facts.
It’s about women connecting. Communities standing together. And refusing to let heart disease continue to take us by surprise.
Her heart stopped and a new purpose started!
Let’s help save the next woman in time.
I’m asking you to make a donation today in support of the American Heart Association’s Women of Impact campaign.
Your investment fuels lifesaving research, education, and advocacy through the American Heart Association, work that ensures more women are heard, believed, and saved. It helps expand CPR and AED awareness and prepare communities before it’s too late.
The time is now.
If her story moved you, please click the donate button and stand with us.
Every heartbeat matters.
Thank you for being part of the impact.