My “Why” is rooted in the belief that where you live, the color of your skin, or the conditions you manage should not determine your health outcomes. Heart disease and stroke are not just medical conditions; they are deeply connected to equality, access, and awareness. I was even unaware that women of color face a disproportionate risk of cardiovascular disease due to systemic barriers, delayed diagnosis, and higher rates of uncontrolled hypertension. Too often symptoms are overlooked, and outcomes reflect a gap in prevention that should not exist. For individuals like me living with kidney disease and/or transplant, the risk is even greater. Chronic kidney disease significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, yet cardiovascular risk is frequently underrecognized in this population. Managing heart health is not optional for kidney patients; it is essential to our survival. Cardiovascular disease in the number 1 killer for all women, however, 59 percent of black women 20 and over are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
When it comes to prevention, awareness and education must be a priority in our community. I choose to support the American Heart Association’s mission to promote awareness and advance prevention, improve treatments, and equitable care so heart health outcomes are not determined by race, gender, or chronic illness.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. The American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement's Woman of Impact campaign is working to change that.
Together, we can engage more women in research. We can fight for access to care and treatments. And we can be a catalyst to create health solutions with women's unique health needs in mind, supporting them through every age, stage and season of life.
The time is now. Are you with me? To support my campaign, click the Donate button.
Thank you.