I am a volunteer of the American Heart Association with a connection to its mission. I have been involved with the Nashville Heart Walk for over 18 years with my “Why” expanding over time. This October marks the 39th anniversary of the passing of my father—my hero—Arnell P. Kincaid, who lost his life to a myocardial infarction (heart attack). My dad is why.
One morning in December of 2004, my husband Todd found me lying on our bathroom floor. I had suffered a T.I.A. and a seizure. A T.I.A., transient ischemic attack, is also known as a “warning stroke,” and causes the same symptoms of an actual stroke. With no way of telling the difference between the two, my husband called 9-1-1 and when paramedics arrived, my blood pressure had soared to 240/120. My health is why.
Only three years later, my Aunt Ginnia suffered a massive stroke, leaving her unable to walk or talk. Because of the medical milestones made possible through research that the American Heart Association funds (and because of the efforts of volunteers like you and me), Aunt Ginnia not only survived, but made a complete recovery and lived to be 92 years old! Research is why.
And most recently, 12 summers ago, my husband Todd—my rock—went into cardiac arrest. His heart completely stopped. On the other side of the wall where my husband died, was an AED. His co-workers saved his life thanks to AED and CPR training they received only a few days before. Today, my Toddy walks beside me and is the reason for TEAM TODDY. Saving Lives is why.
I thank you whole-heartedly for the donation that you are giving. Because of people like you, I get more time with my husband.
Time is why. My husband is why. Life is why.
Melissa Kincaid-Greer
