I support the American Heart Association Heart Walk because heart disease isn’t just something I’ve heard about—it’s something my family has lived with.

For as long as I can remember, heart health has been part of our story. Family members have faced heart disease and the ongoing challenge of managing high blood pressure. It’s a constant reminder that heart conditions aren’t always sudden—they often develop quietly over time, shaped by genetics, lifestyle, and the choices we make each day.

That reality became even more personal when my daughter-in-law was diagnosed with Hypertrphic cardiomyopathy. It is a thickening of the heart muscle which makes it pump blood less efficiently. Hearing that diagnosis changed the way I think about heart health. It’s not just about older generations or something that happens later in life. It can begin earlier than we expect, and it requires lifelong awareness, care, and support.

Because of my family’s experiences, I’ve come to understand that heart health is a lifelong journey. It’s about prevention, early detection, education, and access to resources that can make a real difference. It’s about making sure the next generation has the knowledge and support they need to live longer, healthier lives.

I walk to honor the loved ones who have battled heart disease.
I walk to support those who are currently living with it.
And I walk to help create a future where fewer families have to face these challenges.