For those that do not know, this will be the 10th year my family and our ever-supporting friends will be participating in the Philadelphia Heart Walk in honor and memory of my father, Thomas Eckman.
How could it possibly be 10 years? Some days it feels like January 21st, 2015 was only yesterday. Some days, it feels like that was not my father who went to sleep, and did not wake up the next morning due to a massive heart attack. We never think it is going to be our loved ones we lose. We always believe we will have one more second, minute, day, year...yet time is not promised to any of us. It was not promised to our family in the loss of our father. But, maybe our efforts can buy someone ELSE time; buy another family time with a loved one by spreading awareness and education with the grief we have survived with...for what feels like forever, since the day my father left us here on earth.
I think I can speak for my entire family when I say as the years go by, it seems even more surreal that my dad is not next to us as we create new memories, reach new accomplishments in our lives, and ultimately continue to live on without him by our sides. He was, without a doubt, the best father in every sense to my siblings and I; going above and beyond to make sure we felt love, security, and that we had a best friend in the world no matter what was ailing us. He was a doting grandfather, a loving husband, caring sibling, and loyal friend. I will forever be grateful for the time on this earth that he was able to touch so many lives and share his strong soul with the world around him.
I am passionate about spreading awareness, and it is no secret that I openly share the many emotions I have gone through regarding the grief that struck that fateful morning, and continues to effect a large part of my heart. Could this have been prevented? I do not have the means to answer that question, and don't think I ever will. But--is it something that may haunt me for time to come? Yes. So here I am, and my family is...trying our hardest to do something in memory of my father that could save a life, despite being unable to save his.
Heart diseases and illnesses attack so many people in our lives. There ARE so many ways to prevent it, treat it, and take action to keep your body as healthy as possible. Yes, genetics plays a role in your health--but there are many, many people that take measures to fight that in order to sustain a long and healthy life. If you have not had your heart checked lately, talk to your doctor. Ask your family members--parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. about their health history. It is never too late to be proactive about an organ that is essential to life.
If this topic is close to your heart {truly, no pun intended there}, please consider joining us during the walk and/or donating to our team page. Any and all donations are so appreciated by not only our family, but the lives that are being saved with the awareness and education that is being spread to those that need to hear it. Thank you again for your continued support, love, and filling our hearts with so much appreciation.
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Emma's Event:
Saturday, November 2, 2024
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Emma's Team:
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Emma's Company:
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Emma's Achievements:
Mobile App UserSocial FundraiserSent MessagesUpdated PageGot 1st DonationWalk CoachHW Alumni
Emma Eckman
Fundraising Progress
$51.75
Fundraising Goal
$2,500
I Walk to Save Lives!
My Walk is Why!
Personal Progress:
of Goal
$51
Raised
$2,500.00
Fundraising Honor Roll
Neill Family
$51
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