This year, I signed up for the American Heart Association Heart Walk, and this cause means more to me than I can really put into words.

When I was 10 years old, I was diagnosed with POTS. At that age, I didn't fully understand what it would mean for me or how much I would have to learn about my own body, my limits, and my strength. Over the years, there have been difficult days, frustrating moments, and times when I've had to push through things that others may never see. But I've also learned how strong and resilient I can be. I've kept going, adapted, and refused to let my diagnosis define what I'm capable of.

Heart health has also touched my family in ways I'll never forget. I've watched my mom face her own heart issues and continue to persevere through them. Seeing her strength has taught me so much about what it means to keep fighting even when life throws something unexpected at you. She is one of the strongest people I know.

And then there's my grandpa. Our family experienced something terrifying when he suffered a heart attack and his heart stopped. He was given another chance at life, and our family was given more precious years with him. That is something I will never take for granted.

So when I walk, I'm walking for the 10-year-old version of me who didn't know what the future would look like. I'm walking for my mom and the strength she continues to show. I'm walking for my grandpa and the miracle of the extra time our family was given with him. And I'm walking for every family whose life has been changed by heart-related illness.

If you're able, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider donating to my Heart Walk fundraiser. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps support the American Heart Association's work and makes my walk that much more meaningful.