My Journey with the Heart Mini and the American Heart Association

I ran the Heart Mini 15K for the first time in March 2022, not realizing how personally connected I would become to the mission of the American Heart Association just a few months later.

On June 4, 2022, while working out at my local gym?Orangetheory Fitness in Montgomery?I suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. I had no pulse. Thanks to the swift and heroic actions of the coach (to whom I?ll be forever grateful) and a fellow gym member, I was revived using CPR and a defibrillator. After a few days in the hospital and a couple of procedures, I was back on my feet?and by 2023, I was able to run both the Heart Mini and the Flying Pig Half Marathon.

This experience changed my life. It underscored the critical importance of CPR and AEDs. Motivated by my own survival, I became CPR-certified through an AHA-run program. I urge everyone to get trained?you never know when you might be the one to save a life. The certification process is simple: a short online module followed by an in-person demonstration.

For small business owners, investing in an AED can be life-saving. You never know when it might be needed?just like it was for me. Now, whenever I walk into an office or public space, the first thing I look for is the location of the AED. Not for myself (I now have an implanted defibrillator), but in case someone else needs help.

I?m asking for your support in this life-saving mission. Will you be a Heart Walk Hero with me? Your donation will fund groundbreaking research that keeps hearts beating and helps people live longer, healthier lives.

Update: I successfully ran the Heart Mini in both 2023, 2024 & 2025, proudly wearing my survivor bib?even in freezing temperatures. It wasn?t easy; I had to monitor my heart rate closely, but I did it. With your incredible support, I?ve raised nearly $3,000 for this worthy cause!

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support truly makes a difference.