I walk with the American Heart Association in honor of my mother, Gerri Young. In her early 50s, my mom was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and underwent triple bypass heart surgery, prompting her to make significant lifestyle changes. After relocating to Raleigh, she became certified to teach physical fitness classes through the Silver Sneakers program at Healthtrax. Her commitment to improving her own quality of life through diet and fitness inspired others, and in 2017, she was selected to be featured as an inspirational fitness instructor for Aetna Insurance as part of their involvement in the Silver Sneakers program.

Despite facing congestive heart failure in her later years, my mother's spirit remained unwavering. Sadly, she passed away from complications of heart disease last October, but her determination to drive change and inspire others to adopt healthy lifestyles lives on today.

Join my team and help support groundbreaking research and educational initiatives in the community. Together, let's honor my mother's legacy and help people lead longer, healthier lives.