On December 19th 2024, I lost my mother, Gabby Shives, to a very sudden cardiac arrest, leaving her with a severe, unrecoverable anoxic brain injury.
Her cause of death is technically unknown, but after extensive hospital testing, our family strongly believes and has evidence that Gabby had an underlying heart condition. After waking up at 5am to screaming, my family witnessed Gabby needing CPR and defibrillator shocks, and lifelessly gasping for breath. I spent almost 2 weeks in the ICU with my family, suffering a loss so deep in my soul, I felt like half of myself was ripped away. My family and I ache for her every day of our lives in more ways words could express, and the devestation we have experienced has been nothing short of a nightmare. However, we are aiming to turn this situation into something worthwhile, beautiful, and meaningful.
It's time to unite, take action, and save lives. Every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research into women's heart disease, and more lifesaving moments for everyone. Together, we can eliminate devastation caused by underdiagnosed heart disease in women.
I walk for Gabby. I walk for those who have lost their mothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones to heart disease. I walk to bring awareness to cardiac health. Help me reach my goal today!