Walking with Heart:

Every step I take during this Heart Walk is filled with meaning. As a Cath Lab Manager, my days are spent in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of cardiovascular care. Every morning, I step into the lab knowing that, within moments, a life could be in our hands. The rush of preparing for a procedure, the hum of machines, the watchful eyes of my dedicated team — it’s all part of the delicate dance of saving lives.

But beyond the wires, stents, and monitors, there are people — fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers. I’ve held the hands of patients before they go under sedation, reassuring them that we’re ready to give them a second chance. I’ve seen the relief in a family’s eyes when we explain that a once-blocked artery is now clear, their loved one’s heart beating strong again. Each saved life is a reminder of why I chose this path.

The cath lab isn’t just where I work; it’s where I witness resilience and hope. I’ve watched patients who were moments from losing their battle against a heart attack walk out of the hospital with renewed life. I’ve stood by teammates who share the same unwavering commitment — cardiologists, nurses, techs — each one playing a critical role in these stories of survival.

But the work doesn’t stop when I leave the lab. That’s why walking today matters. Every donation and every step we take supports research, education, and resources that help prevent heart disease and ensure more people get the care they need. It’s about honoring the patients who fought bravely and remembering those we couldn’t save. It’s about pushing forward so that more hearts keep beating.

Being part of the cardiovascular world has filled my own heart in ways I never imagined. It’s in the thank-you cards from patients who now get to attend their child’s wedding, the hugs from families who were once strangers but now feel like lifelong friends, and the quiet moments when I reflect on the lives we’ve touched.

Today, as I walk with my team, I carry those stories with me. Every step is for the lives we’ve saved, the ones we’re still fighting for, and the hope that one day heart disease will no longer be a threat. Because healing and helping isn’t just a job — it’s my heart’s purpose.

- Proud Cath Lab Manager, Walking with Heart