This year, I'm walking with the American Heart Association in honor of my father-in-love - a heart failure survivor.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
We were traveling so Daddy could see his great-grandchildren when we realized something wasn't right. He couldn't walk 10 steps without getting short of breath. If you knew Daddy, you'd know that made ZERO sense. This is the same man who used to ride a bike from West Ashley to Summerville... just because.
As soon as we got home, we went straight to the hospital.
He was diagnosed with heart failure and admitted for a week. Doctors drained over 4 liters of fluid off his heart. FOUR. His heart function had dropped to 25%. Many people don't survive what he went through.
But God showed up. Grit showed up. And years of living an active, healthy lifestyle stepped into the chat.
Today, Daddy is in amazing shape - having regained much of his heart function and staying on top of his heart health like a true champion.
So yes - we walk in celebration of his recovery.
But we also walk for awareness.
We walk for prevention.
We walk for families who don't get this outcome.
Because heart disease is still taking too many lives - and early action matters.
Last year, my village helped me raise $250. This year, I'm doubling down with a goal of $500.
Right now, I only need 16 more people to commit $25 to help me cross the finish line. That's it. Eighteen MVPs. Twenty-five dollars. Big impact.
Your donation fuels lifesaving research, community education, early detection programs, and support for families navigating heart disease and stroke. Translation? You're helping more moms, dads, grandparents, and loved ones get a second chance at life.
No gift is too small. Every dollar moves the mission forward.
If Daddy's story touched you even a little, please consider donating or sharing. Let's turn gratitude into impact and love into action.
Thank you for being part of my why. Thank you for walking this journey with me.
Let's make heart health a priority - today and always.