Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second? Even when they don?t result in death, these conditions often cause lasting disability and diminish quality of life.

Like many of you, my family and friends have been deeply impacted by heart disease and stroke. I?ve volunteered with the American Heart Association since 2013, but the mission became even more personal in May 2020, when I was diagnosed with a heart condition myself.

Thanks to the incredible research funded by the AHA, I was able to undergo a successful surgery and regain control of my life. I?m forever grateful for the advances that made that possible?and I?m honored to continue giving back as a member of the American Heart Association?s Executive Leadership Team here in Northwest Arkansas.

But there?s still so much work to do. Nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don?t survive?and in most cases, bystander CPR isn?t performed. We can change this. Cardiac arrests happen at work, in homes, on athletic fields, and in neighborhoods everywhere. The readiness of our community can mean the difference between life and death.

It?s time to unite, take action, and save lives. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, helps train more people in lifesaving CPR, supports more research, and creates more lifesaving moments for everyone.

I walk to save lives. Help me reach my goal today by joining our team or donating toward our cause. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.