I walk because I know that with every step, I am saving lives.
We're all tied to heart disease and stroke in some way. Here's my story....
In June 2016, I had just moved to Durham NC and started a job at Duke University Hospital. I started not feeling like myself. My feet and legs were constantly swollen and one day it was so bad that I could hardly walk. I began to get winded easily to the point that i could not walk 5 feet without having to sit down. I went to the emergency room at Duke and was subsequently admitted to the hospital. Over the next few days they did several tests and ultimately did a heart cath. Turns out...... I had CAD (coronary artery disease) with 3 major blockages in my heart. A few days later I had triple bypass surgery. I was only 43 years old! I knew I was overweight and had other comorbidities, but I did not think I would end up like this. Surgery went well and a week later I went home.
Fast forward 3 months and I participated in my first Heart Walk at PNC Arena in Raleigh NC. With the exception of the cancelled year for COVID, I have participated every year including this past October.
In January 2023, my husband and I relocated to Birmingham AL and I find out that the Birmingham Heart Walk is the weekend before my 50th birthday. I did sign up and raised some funds, but was unable to attend the walk.
I do not want anyone to go through what I have. We can change that. Will you help me?
Now it is 2024 and I am leading a team once again! Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people have longer, healthier lives.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today.
