Nearly 10 years ago, my family experienced firsthand how quickly life can change when my dad suffered an unexpected brain stem stroke. Thankfully, he survived and is doing remarkably well today. Many people don't realize that stroke is a major focus of the American Heart Association's mission. Through research, education, advocacy, and community programs, the organization works to prevent and treat both heart disease and stroke. I'm participating in the Heart Walk to help raise awareness and support those efforts, with the hope that more families can experience the positive outcomes that ours was fortunate enough to have.