I'm thrilled to be a team member for Laura Merrick in this year's Leaders of Impact, a cause that is near and dear to my heart (no pun intended). When I was in 5th grade, my dad had his first heart surgery. Our family had prepared for this. As a critical care nurse, my Mom spent years strategically thinking about where she could align her work with the best facility and care team for his (at the time) high risk, relatively new procedure.
All the preparation in the world cannot prepare you, as a 10 year old, for the innate realization that you may lose a parent. 15 years later, he underwent his 2nd surgery. The blissful ignorance of being a kid no longer applied. You're completely aware of the risks, the likely outcome and the weight of what that all meant.
23 years have passed and, not without challenges, my Dad is happily (half) retired ? enjoying his title of Papi to 8 grandchildren and his snowbird winters in Florida. Throughout my life, I've met people from all backgrounds impacted by heart disease ? some who's loved ones passed far too soon ? and others who are here today due to the doctors, research and resources that organizations like AHA support.
My family's story is not that of most. My Dad had/has a built in, expert care team at home, aware and looking for signs of trouble. Early identification and intervention saves lives ? and there's no doubt in my mind, this is a critical reason he is still here today.
The reality is, Heart disease doesn't discriminate. But all too often, the families & communities impacted the most ? lack awareness, education and training for life-saving interventions.
Are you with me in making a real impact on the health of our community? 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.