In 2017, my family lost my mother to a stroke. It happened suddenly, and like so many others, we weren’t prepared for how quickly everything could change. She was strong, caring, and the kind of person who made everyone feel at home—someone you just assumed would always be there.

Her passing left a hole that never really goes away, but it also gave me a deeper understanding of how serious heart and brain health truly are. Strokes don’t just affect individuals—they impact entire families, forever.

I’m supporting the American Heart Association in her memory, to help raise awareness and fund research so fewer families have to experience this kind of loss. Every donation, no matter the size, helps move us closer to that goal.