Life is Why! Join me in supporting the American Heart Association!
While I have had the opportunity to support this annual event for the past 12 years, the past three years the Huntsville Heart Walk has had a special meaning for me. On February 5th, 2022, I awoke from my sleep with a terrible feeling in my chest which later was diagnosed as a heart attack. Although I did not read the indications and react correctly at the time, when I finally went to the doctor I was informed that pain was a heart attack in progress. From there, I rushed to the Madison Hospital Emergency Room and then transferred to the Huntsville Hospital where I was saved through their heroic efforts. Just over a year later, I had a subcutaneous cardiac defibrillator implant placed in my chest and I am continuing to work through my recovery. Still, without their lifesaving efforts and all of the research from organizations like the AHA, I would probably not be here today.
Heart Disease is the number one leading cause of death in the United States with Cancer being a close second. I knew people who were affected by heart disease, but I always thought that something like this could have never happened to me because I took care of myself. Little did I know that heart disease is not something that you can avoid solely by living a healthy life. Many people may be genetically predisposed to this condition and there is still so much that doctors do not know and many times it comes when it is almost too late.
Without organizations like AHA, scientific breakthroughs like medications, implantable pacemakers, artificial valves, and changes in the way surgeries are performed might have been delayed or even abandoned, and they might have been lost to time. If you look around, today it is almost impossible to find someone who hasn't been affected in some way by either losing a friend or loved one to heart disease or stroke.
I have always believed that with every day and every donation we are continuously getting closer to saving more lives. Imagine if one of those lives that this effort saves is yours or someone you know and love. Please help me reach this lifesaving goal by donating today. Together, we can make healthier, longer lives possible for everyone.
Thank you in advance for your support!
