This is my sister, Nicole (and her family).
This year, I walk because of her.
In January of 2023, she was diagnosed with idiopathic heart failure. She had been seeing a regular electrophysiologist (cardiologist) because she also had POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), but went in for a check up because something felt off. After much convincing, she was scheduled for an echo and they found that her ejection fraction was 35%. She started seeing a heart failure specialist within the U of M system. After months of medication changes, fluid restrictions, etc., they did a repeat echo and found that her ejection fraction had recovered to 50%.
She didn't present as the "normal" heart failure patient. She was young and healthy. They still are not 100% sure as to what caused her heart failure.
So I walk because I know that research makes a difference.
I walk because I know that with every step, I’m making a difference in someone’s life. And when combined with a million other Heart Walk Heroes across the nation, we have an even greater impact toward curing heart disease and stroke.
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!