I almost died. More than once. So when people ask me why I participate in the Heart Walk, I say it's personal, and I mean it.
I had a hemorrhagic stroke when I was 16, and I had to learn to walk again. In my mid-30s, I found out I had a congenital heart defect that required surgery - my heart looked like a willow tree because it was desperately trying to move blood throughout my body.
A few weeks ago, a wonderful thing happened. I happened to meet one of the medical professionals who kept me alive during my Life Flight to the hospital when I had my hemorrhagic stroke. I still can't quite describe the sense of awe and gratitude that I felt - I was alive because of this person!
I want to give others the opportunity to have that moment of awe, that immense and overwhelming joy of being alive and thriving.
Building on a century of lifesaving progress in cardiovascular disease and stroke, the American Heart Association has centered a new vision for its next 100 years: Advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
So our missions are pretty aligned.
Please help me share the hope, love, and gratitude that I carry in my heart.
With heart,
Kim
