I found out I needed open heart surgery a month after I turned 40.

I was scared, confused and angry. Through routine cardiac tests, an atrial myxoma was discovered in the left atrium of my heart. I was completely asymptomatic, 10 months post partum and had just started at a new job. Why did I need to have open heart surgery? It was scary in a way that I had never felt.

I'm so thankful to the team that helped discover this and create our plan of action, and thankful surgery was a success! I want to share my story and create even more awareness for others to take control of their health and know that we can do hard things!

In a heartbeat, you could be the difference.

9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don't survive. Most of the time, it's because no one nearby performed CPR. But together, we can change that.

Extraordinary things happen when people take action. A small step. A simple skill. A lifesaving moment. Heart Walk brings communities together to create health and hope for every heartbeat. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more people trained in CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.

Extraordinary starts with YOU. Help me reach my goal today!