Why am I raising critical funds for the American Heart Association?
Shortly after my successful heart transplant in 2021, I lost two people I loved dearly - my Uncle Chip and my friend Catherine. Both were very physically fit and both lived healthy lifestyles. They both died of massive heart attacks. Heart disease does not discriminate. I am more motivated than ever to raise awareness for ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
My own heart journey began when I was 27 and passed out teaching a fitness class. After living with a progressive heart condition for 22 years, a selfless donor and her family saved my life by gifting me her heart on 3/11/21. This incredible act of kindness has changed my life in more ways that anyone will ever know.
On June 8, I'm not just walking. I'm Heartwalking. I walk for my uncle and my friend as well as for my brother who had a stroke a few years ago, my mom who lives with atrial fibrillation, my maternal grandparents who both died of heart disease, many of my family members who suffer from heart disease and high blood pressure, my dear friend's mom who had a stroke, my sorority sister who had a stroke, my friend who had open heart surgery when she was 37, my colleague who survived a "widow maker" heart attack recently. And the list goes on.
I'm sure you have your own list too. No one is immune! Heart disease kills more people than all cancers AIDS car accidents. The silver lining is that 80% of heart-related deaths are preventable.
Together, we can make healthier, longer lives possible for everyone. Thank you so much for your support of my quest to further the AHA's lifesaving mission!