My family lost our Patriarch, my father, July 31st, 2022 to heart disease. It was a shock to us all. I didn’t even realize it was a battle my dad was still fighting. He went to his check-ups and did routine testing. Just a couple of weeks prior to his passing my dad called me rejoicing of the great test results he received and we celebrated with lunch. I would’ve never expected the news that was to come. Losing my dad left me with a lot of what ifs. What if I was there that morning, what if I was able to perform CPR, what if I went to his appointments and was more honest than he was with his doctors, what if I was more educated on heart disease and heart disease prevention.
I decided I never wanted to be so blindsided again. That’s when I found the American Heart Association. It has been an amazing resource for any questions that I may have. Not only did it inform me on the signs and symptoms of the disease but it also showed me so many easy ways to prevent it. The association gave me great tips and recipes and even connected me with amazing local families going through the same experience as me.
Heart disease is the no. 1 killer in our NATION. It could happen to any of us but it doesn’t have to. Help support the great work of the American Heart Association and its community by taking the walk and raising funds for AHA to continue to make great strides. Walk to help save lives and to honor the lives loss by heart disease. My dad was not only a staple in my life but a staple to his community. He has touched so many lives and I choose to continue that legacy by walking in remembrance of him September 8th, 2024 at Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park. I hope to see you there with me!
