I have been on Ensemble's steering committee for the American Heart Association for years and have always fundraised in honor of my Mom, who I lost to a cardiac event when I was in high school and for her father, who passed from the same just prior to me being born. I also raised money to celebrate me being a living and thriving survivor of a stroke. But I kept right on seeing just how many times I could tempt fate. And then there was 2022.
I then began fundraising (and will be walking in Cincinnati again. . .yay!!) to celebrate my survival. Not ever going to doctors means you don't know that you have crazy build up in a carotid artery or that you have a congenital heart defect that will have to be dealt with. "Lifestyle changes" is my new least favorite phrase - I am sure stock in Marlboro Reds has declined dramatically with my now 2 years+ of not smoking. I don't do processed meats, I walk, walk, and walk more. ..and go to all of the the doctor's appointments to make sure I'm here for all the important things that are still to come.
I now spearhead Ensemble's efforts for the AHA and expect us to surpass our $115,000 raised last year. That means I need everyone's help! I am also blessed now to sit on the AHA Heart Mini executive leadership team in Cincinnati so need to do even better than we ever have!
I imagine people get tired of me reaching out every year, but please know how much it is appreciated. And don't feel like you have to donate right this minute. . .we'll have amazing prizes and events that you can participate in prior to the Heart Mini in March! And yes, I changed the pic to me and the baby girl to guilt you into giving me your $$!