Heart disease isn’t just a statistic—it’s part of my family’s story.

My father died suddenly from a massive heart attack at 65. One moment he was here, and the next, he wasn’t. I feel the loss every day, many years later.

My mom’s journey was different. After collapsing while teaching, she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and eventually needed a pacemaker. Thanks to her doctors and breakthroughs that come from AHA-funded research, she lived to 83—more than 20 extra years filled with holidays, conversations, and countless memories.

Then came my most unexpected experience with heart disease. My son was born with congenital heart disease and needed open-heart surgery at just 8 weeks old. Watching your newborn go through something so intense is indescribable and life changing. Today, he’s a healthy, smart, resilient, and compassionate 18-year-old with a black belt in Kung Fu, who just started his freshman year of college.  I often pause to reflect on just how far he has come and how grateful I am to be his mom. He is amazing.

Congenital heart defects affect 1 in 100 babies and heart disease is the leading cause of death among women. These aren’t just facts—they’re realities I’ve lived. And they’re why I care so deeply about the work of the American Heart Association. Their research helped extend my mom’s life. It helped save my son’s. It’s helped countless others, and it continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

So when I talk about heart disease, I’m not just talking about medicine or science. I’m talking about my family. I’m talking about love, loss, resilience, and hope. And I’m talking about the future—because thanks to the American Heart Association, that future looks brighter.

Will you join me and support my team for this year’s Heart Walk? Your donations make a lasting impact by funding the important research and advocacy work that the AHA does.  Our work is more important than ever.