I am walking this year for my friend Chip Richie. He has lived throught many physical ups and downs with his heart. Chip was one of my guest speakers at our JRFH event at ESD. Allison, his daughter, was one of my students. My students received the message of the importance of learning CPR and how it may save someone you know. When Allison was 18, she arrived home early from her night out with friends. Allison heard a commotion in her parents bedroom and she raced in their bedroom to find her mom panicked trying to awake her unresponsive father. Her mom was saying "I don't know what to do!" Allison pushed her mom aside and said "I do, move out of the way and call 911!" That night she saved her father's life using CPR. Chip has benefitted from American Heart Association research throughout his long heart journey, but his journey continues. Two years ago he needed and received a heart transplant. It went well until the anti-rejection drugs were affecting his lungs, leaving him breathless and feeling faint everytime he stands. This is the 100th year of the American Heart Association and they have made amazing strides in helping those living with heart disease, but the need for additional research is needed. I am encouraging AHA researchers to improve anti-rejection drugs for those living with transplants. With the improvements of these medications, transplant patients can feel even more grateful to have received such a wonderful gift.
Please consider donating. I am hoping to raise $1,000 dollars for the AHA's continued research and education to the public. If you want to walk with me, please let me know.
Please watch Chip's video and see his message: https://youtu.be/9oRaPL3oCUA?si=3PtC3lkfKuNlsv5X