I have dedicated my career to understanding the people who pose the greatest threats to our safety. I have trained the FBI, Secret Service, and other federal agencies to conduct criminal interrogations, worked alongside nonprofits to help put child predators behind bars, and conducted research spanning radicalization, abuse, and the behavioral patterns of serial killers.

My work has always focused on protecting people from dangerous individuals. But the greatest threat to our lives is not always one we can see coming. It is much closer to home.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and for me, this mission is deeply personal.

A few years ago, my dad suffered a stroke, and in that moment, my world crumbled. I remember the fear of not knowing whether he would be okay and feeling as though everything was falling apart around me.

Because he received the medical care he needed, my dad is still here today. I know how easily our story could have ended differently, and I will never take for granted the doctors, nurses, research and resources that helped save his life.

When someone experiences a stroke, it does not only affect that person. It changes the lives of everyone who loves them.

That is why I am honored to have been selected as an American Heart Association Leader of Impact. Through research, education, advocacy and community initiatives, the American Heart Association is helping prevent heart disease and stroke while giving more people the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.

I am committed to making the greatest possible impact during this campaign, but I cannot do it alone. There are two ways you can help:

Join my Impact Team

Help me raise funds, spread awareness and bring this mission to more people across our community. Scroll down to the Team Roster and select “Join This Team.”

Make a donation

Select “Donate to Nominee” to make a tax-deductible gift in support of my campaign. Every contribution, whatever the amount, brings us closer to longer, healthier lives and gives more families the chance of the outcome mine was fortunate enough to have. As we Brits like to say, “Every penny counts.”

Fundraising is open from September 17 at 9:00 a.m. until November 4 at 9:00 p.m. Together, we can help save lives and protect more families from the devastating effects of heart disease and stroke.