I walk because I know that with every step, I am saving lives.
I've always known that heart disease runs in my family, but I never thought it would affect me. I've always been a healthy person. I played sports my whole life up until high school, and I've never had any major health problems.
But in 2021, I started to feel some chest pain. I went to the doctor, and they did some tests. The results were not what I was hoping for.
I have an enlarged heart, which means it has to work more than it needs to. Along with a moderately dilated left ventricular, meaning my heart doesn't pump enough oxygen to my body. And to top it all off, my ejected fraction is in the 35% (normal is 55% to 85%, 30% leads to heart disease and 20% to heart failure).
The doctor told me that I have a condition called cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that causes it to become weak and enlarged. It can lead to heart failure, which is a serious condition that can be fatal.
I was devastated by the news. At that time I was only 30 years old, and I'm not ready to think about my life ending. But I know that I need to take care of my heart if I want to live a long and healthy life. I started taking medications to help control my heart condition.
I've always known that heart disease/failure runs in my family. My father has had a total of 18 heart attacks since he was 30 years old. with the most recent on 8/22/2023. He's currently being supported by a pacemaker and defibrillator, and his heart only functions at 5%. In 2018, my father suffered from a stroke, causing him to lose his motor speech. Since then, I have been his caretaker.
This year, and just like the past years, I'm participating in the 2024 Greater Orlando Heart Walk. The Heart Walk is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, which is the leading organization in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
I'm walking to raise money for research that will help find a cure for cardiomyopathy. I'm also walking to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke. These diseases are the leading causes of death in the United States, and they can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender.
I know that my heart is not perfect, but I'm determined to live a long and healthy life. I want to be there for my family and friends, especially my children, for many years to come.
Please help me reach my goal today and help fund research that will save lives.