Heart disease runs in my family. My father, his 2 brothers, my cousin & I are all heart disease survivors. We are the lucky ones. 

For the last 2 years, since I became a heart attack survivor, my father and I have taken part in the LI Heart Walk together, walking a 5K in our neighborhood to help raise awareness & money for the American Heart Association. 

This will be the first year I’ll be walking without him as he just lost his battle with cancer & also the first year I’ll be walking at Jones Beach. I know my father will be with me that day cheering me on & proud of me for showing up & staying strong. His soul will be walking with me, as I’m holding him forever in my heart. That’s why I changed my team name from Heart Strong to Heart & Soul. 

As a Go Red For Women Class of 2023 Real Women Survivor, it’s an honor to be able to share my story while raising awareness about strokes & heart disease as well as funds to help support education, research, & life saving programs & trainings. 

Will you join Team Heart & Soul?