A Few More Moments

This Moment Is Intense

And we are all making choices about how we will react and take action. I have thought long and hard about sending out my annual appeal for you to support my Heart Walk this year, knowing that you are getting TONS of “act now, the world is on fire” messages. Because it feels true (in some places, it is true).

But then I called my sister Sarah the other day on the way to a CPR event.  And she tells me “That’s funny that you’re on your way to teach someone CPR. The custodian at my school was kept alive with CPR and an AED a few years ago at our school. Didn’t I tell you? He’s still part time now at the community college.” She paused. “Think about all the time he has now with his grandkids because of that.”

“Yeah,” I said. “Think about that.”

My team teaches literally thousands of people Hands Only CPR every year. We also talk leaders into getting emergency response plans in place so that they get everyone to remember what to do in an emergency, and then put in AEDs. Sometimes I need to fundraise for AEDs or CPR certification because churches, schools, and nonprofits can’t always afford this.

The AHA does this so that the custodian can get CPR, and the AED, and emergency response, and be kept alive for a few more minutes before EMS arrives, and get that lifesaving, research-fueled care.

And have more time with his grandkids. 

Today, I’m asking you to support me and the organization who has always been there for you, for more than a century, who will be here for more than a century to come, working on the issues, like emergency response, Afib, blood pressure, quality care, advocating tirelessly for those who need healthcare, and is still funding research the fuels innovation that changes the world. 

Our vision is for health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

That’s why I walk. It’s why I set aggressive fundraising goals and community impact goals, aiming to leave no one behind. 

Thank you!