Hi, I'm Lauren, a student and an employee at USF, GO BULLS!

The Heart Walk holds deep personal meaning for me. 16 years ago, I lost my father, gone way too soon, to a heart attack. I also lost my mother in January, 2023. Although her heart was strong as a bull, long ago she was told she has 3 months to live. YET, she defied a terminal cancer diagnosis, living 18 more YEARS through a positive mindset, faith, healthy new habits, and sheer determination. Though she beat her cancer, she later faced dementia, and in the end she also lost mobility in her legs. I walk to honor both of them. They each had a heart of gold. Their bold spirit lives on in me, and love never dies.

I?m passionate about heart health. It?s shocking how little attention we give to the one organ that never rests, our heart. Our heart works tirelessly, consistently, and quietly every moment of every day, yet we rarely pause to appreciate it. I believe every day is a gift, and that?s why we call it the present...and we would not have this daily gift without heart health! When is the last time YOU thought about your heart and just took a moment to stretch, walk, or just relax? 

I walk to save lives. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., and tragically, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive. In most cases, bystander CPR was not performed. However, we can change that.
Cardiac arrests happen everywhere, at work, at home, on athletic fields, and in our neighborhoods. Community readiness can mean the difference between life and death.

Now is the time to unite, take action, and save lives together. Every dollar donated helps train more people in lifesaving CPR, funds critical research, and creates more moments of survival. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.

I walk to honor, remember, and protect. I walk with hope for the future. Help me reach my goal today. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and thank you for your support.