Staci, her sister Sheri and I, registered and walked together for the American Heart Association's Heart Walk here in New Orleans in 2024. We had a great day, and decided we would do it again the following year. Well, something came up for Staci and I last year with our calendars, and we decided collectivelly not to walk that year, but would definately go together again in 2026. Sheri registered and walked even with our absence.  Losing my heart sister has been devastating. Surviving heart surgery places you into a soroity or fraternity you never asked to join. Staci and I became friends quickly after I started working at MSY. Our friendship became even stronger when we realized we both loved to craft (especially with our CoHeart Bethany), listen to live music, and enjoy outings to the Quarter. All of our husbands got along as well, so we were often out on triple dates together. 

I had open heart surgery for a mitral valve repair in June of 2018. I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, severe mitral valve reguritation, and cordal rupture. It was the most painful thing I have ever gone through, and the recovery was absolutely brutal. All these years later, I still suffer with effects of being on the heart lung bypass machine. Unfortunately, my valve is leaking once again. Losing Staci has been a very painful reality check for me that those of us with heart problems can be taken from our loved ones at any time. 

Please consider making a donation and/or join my team to walk in Staci's honor on December 5th. xoxo, Shannon

In a heartbeat, you could be the difference.

9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don't survive. Most of the time, it's because no one nearby performed CPR. But together, we can change that.

Extraordinary things happen when people take action. A small step. A simple skill. A lifesaving moment. Heart Walk brings communities together to create health and hope for every heartbeat. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more people trained in CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.

Extraordinary starts with YOU. Join our team today or support by donating towards our fundraising goal.