January 2019 my life changed in a way that meant it would NEVER be the same! In January 2019 I lost my best friend of almost 20 years to a heart attack while he was shoveling less than an inch of snow at the age of 43. While I can never change the outcome of that day, as bad as I wish I could, I can do whatever I can to help raise money to support programs that help ensure no one else has to walk thru the hell I did and still do some days.
Time heals...it's true...but a day doesn't go by that I wish I would have paid better attention to what I now know were signs that Brian needed to get to a doctor! I wish I would have spoke up and insisted...he would have listened if I just would have pushed but unfortunatley I didn't know then what I do now. And it's thanks to education that I've recieved from the AHA that I now know and speak up when something seems wrong with a family member or friend.
Strokes, however, often show ZERO warning signs! This July, 3 days after spending a week with my mom, Diana, with no indication that anything was wrong I recieved a call that she was in an ambulance on her way to the hospital after blacking out on the treadmill at the gym. When she came to there was immediate memory loss that by God's hand has all recovered. However, we would go on to learn that mom had had SEVERAL strokes over the last month! We are Extremely Grateful that she has ZERO side affects from these strokes! And Super Grateful to the American Heart Association for the research they are funding for testing that can tell this type of information, guiding doctors to know proper next steps protocol.
So, this year I'll walk for better Stroke awareness for my mom AND in memory of my best friend!
I'd be honored if you would consider a donation in mom's honor or Brian's memory so that the AHA can continue the incredible work they do to fight heart disease! I have a BIG goal of raising $5000 this year as an Executive With Heart and can't do it without you.
Thanks in advance for whatever you feel you can give it truly means the world to me and most importantly keeps Brian's memory alive!
We're all tied to heart disease and stroke in some way. We have to change that. Will you help me?
Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that literally keeps hearts beating and helps people have longer, healthier lives.
Blessings!
Brandi