Jennifer Dering
I'm proud to be a Leaders of Impact Nominee
I'm excited to be nominated for the Leaders of Impact campaign this year. As part of this year's class of changemakers, I'm dedicated to making a lasting impact on the health of our community and hope that I can count on your support!
Despite many advances, cardiovascular disease is still the No.1 killer in the US. And while approximately 80% of cardiovascular disease could be prevented through a healthy diet, physical activity, a healthy weight, not smoking, controlled blood pressure, diabetes, and lipid levels - the disparities in access to care, nutrition, and healthy environments make achieving these goals far too difficult for far too many people. That's why I am committed to being a part of this relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
Are you with me in making a real impact on the health of our community? Please click on the donate button next to my name below to support my efforts. Every dollar counts, and I'm counting on you!
Westchester/Fairfield Leaders of Impact Fall 2025
Jennifer Dering
Join my Virtual Walk Event with this link https://form.jotform.com/252164962618160
I am so grateful and excited to be nominated for the American Heart Association's Leaders of Impact campaign. I am a heart transplant survivor.
Four years ago, I was at my strongest. I was an athlete, a wife, a mother. I was training for a professional racquetball tournament, and health was my identity. I was in the best shape of my life and exercising daily when I suddenly became ill. I was struggling to breath and even daily activities such as walking across the room left me gasping for air.
I went to the doctor 14 times. And 14 times, I was dismissed. I was told I just needed to lose weight. That it was hormones. That it was "vocal chord dysfunction - many women get this from talking so much". I was told it was asthma. But I knew something was wrong. Deep down, I felt my body shutting down. The days that followed told a story of my declining health. I was in disbelief that as a high level athlete, my heart had less than 15% pumping capacity. I was getting scared.
Finally, I demanded a chest X-ray. That was the moment everything changed. I was diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy—a disease I had never even heard of. My doctor came to my room to deliver the news that without a heart transplant I would not survive.
Three weeks after being listed, I got the call: they had a heart for me. I prayed for the family facing unimaginable loss while silently thanking the person who was about to save my life. My donors name is Sarah Griffin. She is an angel that I can never properly thank.
After surgery, as I took my first steps with my new heart, I thought of my donor with every beat. I was able to see my youngest son graduate from high school and celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary because of the lifesaving measures taken.
I tell this story frequently now. Not because I like to relive it, but because the more I tell my story, the more people it might help. Women in particular don't show typical signs of heart disease and heart attack.
I was lucky enough to get a heart transplant to save my life, but a transplant is a treatment, not a cure. There is no cure for heart disease. As many family and friends have said to me over the past 4 years, if this could happen to me, it could happen to anyone. Heart disease has had a profound impact on my life and now I want to have an impact on the solutions.
Despite many advances, cardiovascular disease is still the No. 1 killer in the US. Furthermore, we live in a country where 50 million people face higher risk of heart disease because they lack the most basic needs – healthy food, clean air and drinking water, quality education, employment and housing.
The American Heart Association is committed to advancing health equity – which can exist only when all people can have the opportunity to enjoy healthier lives. We’re removing barriers to health through work in communities, scientific research, advocating for healthy policies and more.
That’s why I am committed to being a part of this relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives for all. I believe in this cause and our ability to make an impact in our local community and across the country, and I'm asking for your support.
There are two simple ways you can help me save lives right now.
Join my team! We will work together to raise funds and awareness for this vital mission. To do that, scroll down to the Team Roster and click the "Join This Team" button.
Make a donation! Click the "Donate to Nominee" button to make a tax-deductible, life-saving gift to my campaign. Fundraising is open from September 18th at 9:00 am until November 5th at 9:00 pm.
Join my Virtual Walk Event with this link https://form.jotform.com/252164962618160
