October 9th would have been our infant son David’s birthday. He would have been 31 this year. Each year on this day, I dedicate myself to fundraising in the Executives with Heart Challenge as part of the DC Heart Walk on behalf of the American Heart Association.

I do this to honor David’s memory, as well as that of my parents’, all three of whom died as a result of the effects of heart disease. I am also fundraising for those I love, including our wonderful and healthy daughters; my heart attack-survivor husband and for the continued good health of all of my family, friends and colleagues.

Please help me reach my goal and help the American Heart Association continue their work from the past 100 years. Together we are saving lives.

It's been 31 years though sometimes it feels like yesterday to me. Your support of the American Heart Association will help fund the medical research  that will lead to new and better ways to treat cardiovascular diseases in children and adults, and will help others like David and his grandparents live long and healthy lives.