I am walking in the Greater New Haven Heart Walk for a second year because I can!  Two years ago, I had a heart attack at home that resulted in an ambulance ride, hospital admission and a trip to the Cath lab for the placement of one stent. While it was VERY scary at the time, it was not life-threatening. It was, however, life-changing! I had great cardiac care with a good outcome and was able to take a planned trip to Italy 6 weeks later! I took that trip with a whole new appreciation for life. My cardiac rehab program led to gym membership and better health (mental and physical) overall.

9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive. I lost my dad to cardiac arrest (not in the hospital) when I was 18 years old. He was only 59. I am so grateful that my experience was different.  I walk to celebrate my life post-MI and bring attention to heart disease, especially in women. More women (and men) in my life have been touched by heart disease and, sadly, their outcomes varied.

Please join me on the walk if you’d like, but if that’s not possible, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association. Your contributions mean more education, training and research to save lives.

A note about my photo choices - the profile pic was taken about a week before my heart attack. In the slideshow, the picture with the sunflower was the day I was released from the hospital. The one of me at sunset is on the coast of Sorrento, Italy and the last one was taken this year as I celebrated my 65th birthday with family and friends.