As a cardiac ICU nurse by background and now the nurse educator for a Cardiovascular ICU, heart health has always been a part of my professional life but in 2022 it became more personal when my dad was unexpectedly diagnosed with a genetic heart condition that had previously gone undetected. Thanks to the expert care that he received (and continues to receive) from his care team (and my friends/previous colleagues) he is now living his life to the fullest and thriving at his best role yet : Puppa to his three grandchildren including my daughter, Natalia.

This year in honor of my father and all those impacted by heart disease, I am participating in the 2026 AHA heart walk with my colleagues - the 3 Lakeside ICU VT Stormers.