Every step I take for the American Heart Association and the Cape Fear Heart Walk is deeply personal.

My daughter, Taylor, is the reason behind my "why."

At just 3 days old, Taylor went into cardiac arrest. What should have been some of the happiest, most peaceful days of our lives quickly turned into fear, uncertainty, and a fight for her life. She was urgently flown from Memphis to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where an incredible team worked tirelessly to save her.

Taylor underwent multiple life-saving procedures, including:
ASD repair
VSD repair
Rastelli procedure
Total arch reconstruction

Since then, she has also undergone a pulmonary conduit replacement.

In her young life, Taylor has already faced two open-heart surgeries and countless cardiology appointments, hospital stays, and follow-ups. Yet through it all, she has shown more strength and resilience than most people will ever have to.

Her journey is why I am so passionate about raising awareness.

Heart disease and cardiac emergencies don't wait-and neither should we.

~We need more people trained in CPR

~We need better access to AEDs in our communities
~We need to prioritize heart-healthy lifestyles for ourselves and our families

Because survival shouldn't depend on chance-it should depend on preparation.

By supporting the Cape Fear Heart Walk, you're not just donating... you're helping save lives. You're helping families like mine have more time, more moments, and more memories.

Thank you for being part of this mission!!