In a heartbeat, you could be the difference.

Thirteen years ago, my stepfather died from a heart attack. He was only 51 years old.

Losing him changed our family. It also made heart disease more than a statistic for me. Behind every number is a person—someone’s parent, partner, friend, colleague, or loved one. And behind that person is a family wishing they had more time.

I have spent much of my life thinking about what makes communities stronger and what becomes possible when people have the knowledge, resources, and opportunity to act. Heart health is no different. Sometimes making a difference begins with one person learning CPR. Sometimes it begins with research that leads to a new treatment. And sometimes it begins with someone deciding to give because they believe another family deserves more time.

As a mother and a community leader, I care deeply about the kind of future we are creating for the people we love. That is why I am proud to serve as an American Heart Association Executive With Heart. For me, this campaign is not simply about reaching a fundraising goal. It is about helping build communities where more people are prepared to respond, more lives can be saved, and more families have the chance to keep making memories together.

Extraordinary change often begins with a small act. I hope you will join me by making one today.