I invite all my friends, family, and colleagues to join me in in the effort to improve heart health and save a life. I have supported the American Heart Association for nearly ten years now. When I first aligned myself with the AHA and the Huntsville Heart Walk, it was about others; those stricken with heart disease and stroke.
However, my purpose has turned to my own battle with heart disease and to that of many close friends and relatives. The fight became progressively more personal during the summer of 2022 as I began to notice "tightening" in my chest and "shortness of breath". This led to identifying blockages in my left anterior descending, right coronary artery and a couple of arteries on my secondary diagonal artery. Knowing and ACTING on my symptoms saved my life! If you notice symptoms...take ACTION!!!
I returned to the hospital approximately 2wks post-op after suffering a heparin (blood thinning drug) induced stroke. The impacts of the stroke are minimal and solely tied to an allergic reaction to the drug (so not anticipating a recurrence). I have truly been blessed with a prolonged life with Julia and our grandchildren, the ability to work on interesting defense programs, serve a mission and to tell my story to encourage YOU to GIVE.
Your donation this year means a great deal to me and to other people you know in our community and throughout the nation. We've all been impacted in some way of another and I ask that you join me as we work together to improve heart health and lessen the impacts of heart disease and stroke. I'd also like you to consider joining in this year's walk with your own team or simply join mine with a donation! Call me at 256-503-0498 to discuss options.
I originally became involved in this great event and walked in memory of my two grandfathers. Each died of heart disease at an early age. One passed at the age of 54 (I never got to know him) and one at age 72.
This year I honor an angel of a woman, Irene LaRue Erekson Law. She dearly loved her family and left us way too soon (65yrs). She had recently served with her husband as a missionary and was one of many early, close friends who had faith in me when I was a young man. She was scheduled to have angioplasty at the time of her passing. I also honor my close friend, Chelsea McKinney's dad, Tim Knox (63yrs), who died after complications with his heart valve replacement.
AHA has helped developed advance healthcare protocols, techniques and procedures that were used for my surgery and gave Tim Knox a chance. Our community has also benefitted from the increased number of AED's, new CPR procedures, Education and Stroke identification protocol.
As I enter my prime "Grandpa John" years, I am able to enjoy extended time with grandchildren and I can because of the advancements made regarding heart healthy choices and care.
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!
I continue to walk for my FAMILY and my FRIENDS!!!!
