I’m walking because someone performed CPR on me.

At 20, I went into sudden cardiac arrest caused by Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW), a rare heart condition I didn’t know I had. I lost all vital signs instantly. I’m alive today because someone passed upon me who knew CPR, and continued until help arrived. Most people aren’t that lucky: 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive.

I’ve never taken that second chance for granted. Today I’m a grateful parent of three, and I’m walking with the Avery Walls Music Festival team to honor the legacy of Avery Walls, who passed away from WPW at age 20. His story, and the music that carries his legacy, is a reminder of why this work matters.

Your donation helps train more people in CPR, fund research, and create more lifesaving moments like mine. Extraordinary starts with YOU. Please help me reach my goal today!