I’m supporting the American Heart Association Heart Walk this year for a very personal reason. In 2022, I lost my dad, Steven Kossakowski, to a sudden heart attack. 

My dad was a devoted husband, father, and “Pa.” He loved his family deeply, enjoyed watching Cardinals baseball, and spent a lot of time outside, especially working in his yard, which is where he passed.

He wasn’t perfect when it came to his health, but he stayed active and, like many families, heart disease was part of our story. We never expected to lose him this way.

That’s why this matters so much to me. I’m walking to honor him, raise awareness, and support efforts to prevent heart disease for others. If you’re able, I’d love for you to join me or support in any way.