As some of you may know, I started Team Mama's Squeezebox in support of my mother after she suffered a heart attack in 2004. Since then, money raised by the American Heart Association has resulted in important developments in the technology, tools, techniques, and medications used to treat heart disease. Many of these developments helped my mother fight hard and she survived two more heart attacks; however, after bravely progressing, she passed away two weeks after the 2009 Heart Walk.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of her passing.
Since we lost my mother over a decade ago, incredible advances in cardiac care have developed through research supported and funded by the American Heart Association, some of which helped me survive this past year. Yet, cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the U.S. One person dies every 34 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. For women, it causes 1 in 3 deaths each year... that?s approximately one woman every minute!
I walk with gratitude for my life. I walk in support of my Teta, who perseveres tenaciously after undergoing an ICD replacement just two months ago. I walk in support of my cousins, Bill, and Kathy, who continue their recovery from multiple cardiac events. I walk in support of my Aunt Lee, who continues bravely tackling her heart disease. I walk in honor of my mother's life and for those like her, my godmother Mary, my cousin Greg, and my Uncle John, who have sadly lost their struggle against heart disease.
Please help me support the fight against heart disease and stroke and honor those who have died, by joining my team and walking on November 1st, or by making a donation and helping us to reach our dollar goal! In this challenging year, any donation of any amount helps in this fight! Thank you immensely for your support!
[Pictured above: My Teta and me during the 2024 Heart Walk]
