My name is Vanessa Keira Monto. I'm a junior in high school and since I was little, I've always wanted to be a doctor. Oftentimes I'd go to after school to my mom's hospital, where I'd sit in her office watching her observe zig-zagging heartbeats, write science-expanding grants, and seeing her change patient's lives in real time. I was fascinated by it all.
My family has a history of cardiovascular disease. I have had many family members die of strokes and atrial fibrillation. When my grandfather passed away from his second stroke, caused by cancer in his heart, in 2020, I wrote a speech about the history of his life importance of bravery and performed it in front of my school for Grandparent's Day. Looking out into the audience, seeing my family remember him along with me, it felt like I was doing something worthwhile to honor his memory.
However, I wanted to do more. My grandfather's life was able to be prolonged by the support and care of doctors and quick action during emergencies, but not all people are this fortunate. In educating as many people as possible on heart disease, through CPR-certification and fundraising events, I aim to push my community to be prepared in the case of an emergency situation. When each person leaves my event, my goal is that they can bring home knowledge of cardiovascular disease, and spread even more awareness about heart disease to their families and loved ones.
The American Heart Association's mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, and in donating to this campaign, you can help support an effort to educate and empower not only your community, but the world at large.
Make a donation! Starting February 6th at 9:00 AM, click "Donate to Nominee" to support our campaign with a tax-deductible donation! The competition concludes at 9:00 PM on April 9th.