I walk because I know that with every step, I am saving lives. With every step, I know I honor my Grandpa, Ragnar.
My Grandpa came to America from Norway and immigrated to Chicago, where he moved his family to start new. In 1966, he started a new career. My Grandpa helped create the landscape and arboretum that now makes up Elmhurst University's campus. My Grandpa earned a founder's medal in 2004 for his work and many years of dedicated service to the University.
My Grandpa also had heart issues. In the mid-2000's, my Grandpa underwent open heart surgery. My Grandpa ended up living until 2014 when he passed away from Dementia. I do believe that because of this surgery, we likely got many more years with him than we know!
My Grandpa was always a source of strength and knowledge; while I didn't recognize it at the time, I found that my Grandpa's illness would pop into my brain when I started working in a coronary intensive care unit. Now, I am even more passionate about access to Cardiac care and prevention. I walk to honor my Grandpa, Ragnar.
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.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today.
To learn more about my Grandpa's legacy, please click below!
Ragnar Moen, Foster Father of Elmhurst’s Campus Arboretum, Dies at 80 | Elmhurst University
Ragnar Moen, groundskeeper at Elmhurst College Arboretum, dies at 80 (chicagotribune.com)
