I walk because I know that with every step, I am saving lives.
Heart disease runs in my family. My dad had his first open heart surgery over 20 years ago, at an age that I'm close to now. He then had another open heart surgery just a few years later. Overall he has been going pretty strong since his last open heart surgery.
Learning that heart disease was hereditary and seeing my dad go through two open heart surgeries in his 50's was eye opening for me. As I learned more about heart disease, I realized there were some lifestyle changes I could make if I wanted to attempt to avoid or at least postpone heart related issues as long as I could (although I know I'm ultimately not in control of the outcome). So, after my dad's first open heart surgery I started exercising and eating healthier. Starting off was difficult, but over time I developed healthy habits that became part of my daily routine. Those habits have changed over the years as I've learned more and more about heart disease and overall health. I've been able to stick with a healthy routine for over 20 years now and it has had a positive impact on my heart and overall health.
I want to do what I can to educate, raise awareness, and help 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.
