No one ever thinks it’ll happen to them. I never thought I would be “that guy.”

There was nothing particularly unusual about that Tuesday; everything seemed completely normal – until it wasn’t. A colleague noticed something was off and spoke up. Then my wife, a Registered Nurse, saw me and recognized the signs right away. Thankfully and because they spoke up and quickly took action, I got help without delay.

Their actions saved my life!

Today I am forever grateful and proud to say I made a near full recovery. I don’t take that for granted especially since stroke and heart disease kill roughly 850,000 Americans annually, accounting for more than 1 in 4 deaths. (per CDC.gov)

This cause is personal now, and it’s my mission to help spread awareness about paying attention, speaking up, and taking action. With Team MI-IN-OH we look out for each other. We care enough to step in and speak up when something doesn’t feel or seem right. I am alive today because e of that kind of mindset.

That’s why the Heart Walk matters.

Most people don’t survive cardiac arrest outside a hospital because help doesn’t come fast enough, but that can change. Every step we take and every dollar we raise helps train people, support research, and gives others a second chance, just like I got.

Please join me and AFO Team MI-IN-OH by signing up to walk, and/or donating to the Heartbeat of the Midwest team, because in a heartbeat – YOU COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE!!!