For over 15 years, I have supported the work of the American Heart Association. First, I walked as a daughter who lost her dad to heart failure. Through the years, my "Why" has kept growing to include more loved ones, more friends, more of the patients I connected with as a nurse. This year, I add myself into my Why because this year I am a survivor.

My symptoms started out as a very subtle heaviness on my chest when I exercised that progressed to happening when I was at rest. I explained it away for weeks until two angels in my life made sure I stopped ignoring it and got it checked out. Turns out, I had a greater than 95% blockage to one of the arteries delivering blood to my heart muscle. Thanks my awesome cardiologists at Prisma Health, Dr. Kocak and Dr. Pineda, I got a stent, restoring blood flow to my heart, BEFORE I had a heart attack, saving my heart from the permanent damage a heart attack can leave behind and possibly saving my life. Recovery has gone great with tons of support from my family, friends, and the awesome crew at Prisma Health Cardiac Rehab! I spend two days a week with the rehab team, Lauren, Vince, Terri, James, Lisa, and all my fellow survivors sweating to the oldies together.

So, I Walk to Save Lives, now including my own. Help me reach my goal today. Thank you!!