Heart disease and stroke remain two of the leading causes of death in the United States. That reality is not just a statistic, it's personal.

My grandfather is a multi-stroke survivor, and witnessing his resilience underscored how critical vascular health, prevention, and access to quality care truly are. Additionally, my mom has worked as a pediatric cardiology nurse for over thirty years, caring for children born with congenital heart defects and guiding families through catheterizations, procedures, and lifelong treatment journeys. Growing up around her work gave me a deep appreciation for both the complexity of congenital heart conditions and the strength of the patients and families facing them.

Inspired by my family's experiences, I've been involved in cardiovascular and neurological health research at UCLA and my alma mater, the University of Michigan. I'm proud to serve on the Steering Committee for the 2026 Metro Detroit Heart & Stroke Walk to support lifesaving research, advance equitable care, and help build a future where fewer families are defined by these statistics.