At the age of 42, I learned I have a congenital heart defect.  My diagnosis is bicuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis.  Your aortic valve is the diameter of a quarter.  Mine is the size of an iPhone button.  Had it not been for my doctor at the time saying we should explore my heart murmur further, I wouldn't be in the care of an excellent cardiologist today. Six years later, I recently had my annual visit with my cardiologist.  This time, there was a change in my test results.  My heart is healthy, but my valve is not, so it is time to get it replaced for my long-term heart health.  I’m eternally grateful to be in the hands of an incredible team of physicians.  I will not be able to join you all on the walk, as I will be in recovery at that time.  But my husband, Jason, and our two sons, Vincent and Trent, will be there walking on my behalf. This is my why.

Did you know, 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital die? In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed. But we can change this. 

Cardiac arrests happen at work, in homes, on athletic fields and in neighborhoods everywhere, and the readiness of our community can be the difference between life and death. 

I'm so proud to work for a company like Cintas, who is at the forefront of helping keep our communities safe.  The generosity of Cintas partners is overwhelming.  And the work Cintas does, such as their life saving trianing programs for AEDs and CPR, is just awesome. 

It's time to unite, take action, and save lives. Every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.

I Walk to Save Lives. Help me reach my goal today.