This year, I’m proud to be a coach and walker for the AHA Heart Walk—an event that hits close to home for me.
Two years ago, my father-in-law Mike suffered a heart attack. He’s the kind of person who shows up for others without being asked—a former Ohio State Patrol officer, a devoted family man, and someone who’s always led by example. Mike has always worked hard, given generously, and treated people with respect. Since his heart attack, he’s doubled down on his commitment to his health—staying active, making changes, and doing the work to be here for the people who love him. His recovery is a powerful reminder of both personal strength and the importance of heart health.
More recently, my grandma Bertha had her pacemaker removed and replaced with a new leadless pacemaker. The fact that such cutting-edge technology exists—and that it made the whole process smooth and safe—is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
And then there’s my sister, Courtney, who was diagnosed later in life with heterotaxy syndrome—a rare congenital condition where internal organs are abnormally arranged across the body. In her case, it includes two left lungs and structural heart differences, sometimes referred to as “two left hearts.” Despite how serious that may sound, Courtney is healthy and lives a full, active life. Her condition was discovered after experiencing some shortness of breath, but day to day, she’s completely asymptomatic. Her story is a powerful reminder that not all congenital heart defects (CHDs) present early or obviously—and even rare ones like heterotaxy can go undiagnosed for years.
Three very different stories where doing a little can make a world of a difference.
CHDs affect nearly 1 in every 100 babies born in the U.S., making them the most common birth defect. Continued research is critical to understanding these conditions and improving long-term outcomes—even for those who seem “healthy on the outside.” That’s the kind of work the American Heart Association supports. It matters to families like mine.
But beyond my own family, there’s a bigger reason to walk. Nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive. In most of those cases, no one performed CPR. That’s something we can change.
Cardiac arrests happen at work, in homes, on athletic fields, and in neighborhoods everywhere. The readiness of our community can be the difference between life and death. Every dollar donated means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research, and more moments of hope.
This is why I walk. For Mike. For Bertha. For Courtney. For those we love—and for those we’ve never even met. I walk to save lives. I’m proud to lead, coach, and walk alongside a team committed to making a difference.
This event is not just meaningful, it’s fun. The Heart Walk is an incredible way to come together, get moving, and be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Let’s unite, take action, and create more lifesaving moments—one step at a time. Help us reach our goal, and consider joining our walking team today!