I walk because I am one of the 10% who lived after a cardiac arrest at the age of 40. Born with a heart murmur and mitral valve prolapse, after I had the arrest it was discovered I had a congential disease of left ventricular non compaction cardiomyopathy. I was saved by my Maddie who bravely did cpr. A year full of surgeries and finding the best team of care at Northwestern Memorial, I was given a second chance at life.
I also walk for my Grandpa James Devoe who had idiopathic cardiomyopathy and required a life saving heart transplant that gave us 29 more years of his life.
It is so important for more research to be done, family genetics play a huge role and I want the best treatment and hope for my daughters that they never go thru what I did.
This year, as we celebrate the Centennial of the American Heart Association, we will move health and well-being forward in important and critical ways. This relentless pursuit will continue until heart disease and stroke no longer exist.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today.
