This year, I am participating in the 2025 Lehigh Valley & Berks Heart Walk to raise awareness and support for the fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD).
For me, this is not an abstract cause. As someone who has seen firsthand what CVD can do, resulting in my dad requiring a triple bypass, I’ve experienced how suddenly and seriously it can change lives. That moment reinforced for me why this work matters.
It also shapes my path as a PhD researcher. My work focuses on developing point-of-care technologies to improve the detection, monitoring, and ultimately help prevent cardiovascular disease. While research can drive innovation, progress depends on more than science; it requires community support, education, and resources for patients and families.
The Heart Walk brings those pieces together. Funds raised are directed toward research, patient programs, and initiatives that enhance outcomes for individuals affected by heart disease and stroke.