I'm honored to join the American Heart Association's Leaders of Impact campaign. Their mission to build longer, healthier lives deeply resonates with me. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., with nearly half of adults living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Awareness, early detection, and swift action are vital.
My "why" is personal. On New Year's Day, 2025, I experienced sudden chest pains. Though I'm an avid weightlifter, combat sports competitor/coach, and outdoorsman who appears healthy, that day my wife and sisters noticed something was very wrong. I was rushed to the hospital, where doctors found I was having a heart attack caused by a ruptured plaque blocking 85% of my left anterior descending artery. Emergency surgery and a stent saved my life. This was an isolated event with no prior symptoms, and since then, I've had no further signs of cardiovascular disease.
I want my story to raise awareness and encourage people, regardless of age or heath, to listen to their bodies, get regular screenings, learn the warning signs, trust their instincts, and act quickly.
The American Heart Association works tirelessly to advance heart health and improve access to care through lifesaving research, education, and care so fewer families face what mine did. I invite you to join me - through donations, sharing this message, or advocating for heart health.
Click the Donate button to support the American Heart Association today. Fundraising is open from September 18th at 9:00 am until November 5th at 9:00 pm.