Hello my name is Katie Zook, Im 16 years and a Junior at Niles McKinley High School. I have been nominated as a Teen of Impact for the Tri-County Area. My goal as a Teen of Impact is to spread awareness of Heart Disease and Stroke Awareness, as well as raise funds for the American Heart Association.
Saying “YES” to becoming a Teen of Impact for the American Heart Association was a very easy decision. My family has been largely affected by Heart Disease and Strokes. My grandfather, my mother’s father, passed away in 2000 at age 67 from a massive heart attack, 9 years before I was born. He had suffered from heart disease since he was 48, when he suffered his 1st heart attack. I often wonder what it would have been like to grow up with him in my life. My nana, my mom’s mother, has suffered multiple strokes. She suffered her 1st stroke at age 47, and through rehab was able to recover mostly from it. She still had some residue affects from it but was able to be completely hands on with myself and brother growing up, never missing an event in our lives. About 2 yrs ago she suffered another stroke and along with the beginning stages of dementia, this has caused her to have to go into long term care. Also my grandmother, my father’s mom, was born with a heart defect and had to have open heart surgery as an infant, this was a procedure that was very new and because of that she has been able to live a normal life. My “WHY” is my family. Not being able to meet my grandfather and watching my nana, who has always been my biggest supporter, suffer from multiple strokes. I want to not only educate adults on heart health, but my peers as well. As teenagers, we are faced everyday with decisions that can damage our hearts, energy drinks, vaping, and unhealthy food options. We have the choice each day to make healthy decisions that will impact our heart health. Knowing that tomorrow is never promised and our lives can change in a minute, I want to reach people, of all ages, and educate them on the importance of heart health and effects of heart disease.
I'm proud to be part of a team of changemakers taking action through the American Heart Association's Teen of Impact campaign. Heart disease can affect anyone, but together we can change that.
I believe in a future where everyone has the chance to live longer, healthier lives. The American Heart Association is making that future a reality through groundbreaking research, education, advocacy and access to care. Your support powers this mission.
Your gift isn't just a donation, it's a lifeline. It's more than CPR training in schools, healthier meals in communities and new research that will save lives. Every donation fuels lifesaving work and builds stronger, healthier communities.
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