I almost died.
That’s an abrupt way to start this off but that’s how quickly heart conditions can take or change someone’s life. I would know. In August of 2019 I had a pulmonary embolism at the ripe age of 17 years old. There was seemingly no external cause, but when the doctors took a closer look at my genetic code, they found a mutation that makes my body throw blood clots through my vascular system at an increased rate. Now, that clot “should have killed” me because it traveled all the way to my lungs and the arteries right beside my heart in the lower left lobe of my lung. The Lord not only spared my life, He SAVED my life. I’m forever grateful for my medical team and the advancements in medicine made by the American Heart Association as they were excellent in the recovery process. Today I am able to live a relatively normal life despite that near death experience. By raising awareness for cardiovascular health, we can take one more step towards a healthier tomorrow. Don’t neglect your health, but especially don’t neglect your heart. I’m not sorry I went through this, because I can stand here today and urge you to not neglect the health you’ve been given, and encourage you to strive for the health you wish to achieve. Recovery isn’t absolute, it’s a process. Surviving requires work every day.
Please help us now by donating and/or joining the Heart Walk on October 7th at Triad Park! Register at 10am or online. The walk begins at 11am! Together we are helping save lives and prevent experiences like mine. I walk to save lives! Why do you walk?
