I walk in honor and memory of my grandfather, João Gilvan Rocha, a passionate physician, talented artist, and former Senator of Sergipe, Brazil, who courageously fought for democracy during Brazil's military dictatorship, who experienced a stroke and heart attack, and later passed away from complications of heart disease. I also walk in memory of my great-uncle, Vollmer Bomfim, a Brazilian immigrant who moved to Sweden with his family and went on to excel as a dedicated cardiac surgeon at the renowned Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

While medicine wasn't the path for me, I'm proud to carry forward their legacy through my work with the American Heart Association in Tampa Bay, helping advance science, research, education, and lifesaving programs that impact lives across the world.

Join me in supporting a future of longer, healthier lives in the Tampa Bay community and beyond! Every dollar donated helps fund critical research, expand CPR training, and create more lifesaving moments.