Some see just a sweet photo—three little girls with their grandpa. But to us, it’s everything.
This moment, and so many others, only exist because of the incredible work of the American Heart Association, Donate Life, and a medical miracle called Heart in a Box.
My dad—Cassie’s grandpa—was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart disease that runs in our family. After years of fighting, his heart gave out. He needed a transplant. And on February 8, 2017, he got one. Cassie was just 9 months old.
Thanks to a donor’s selfless gift and years of research funded by the AHA, my dad got a second chance at life—and our family got more time, more memories, and more photos like this one.
We walk for him.
We walk for the family members we’ve lost.
We walk for those still fighting.
Next weekend, our family will walk in the American Heart Association Heart Walk, raising funds that stay right here in the Capital Region—fueling the lifesaving work of local researchers, labs, schools, and hospitals.
If you can, please consider donating. Every dollar brings hope to families like mine.
Heart in a Box - AHA Video
My Dad’s Journey - YouTube
Register to be an organ donor: https://www.registerme.org/
Be the good.
I thank you, with all my heart for your support, Joanna
#HeartWalk #DonateLife #CassiesGrandpa #WhyIWalk
