-Mom of a Heart Warrior-

Almost four years ago, my daughter Emery was diagnosed with complex congenital heart defects. In that moment, our world changed forever.
Since then, she has endured two open-heart surgeries. Two times placing her tiny heart in the hands of surgeons.
Two times walking down that long hospital hallway trying to be brave enough for both of us.
And let me tell you something - congenital heart disease is not rare.
The American Heart Association reminds us that congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect in the United States. That means families everywhere are walking this road - some quietly, some loudly, but all courageously.
For us, it hasn't just been heart surgery. It's been hospital rooms. It's been months away from home, away from our two children. It's been specialty appointments.
It's been tube feeds and monitors. It's been living in constant fight-or-flight mode. And through it all - research mattered. Innovation mattered. Funding mattered. Because research is the reason surgical techniques improve. Research is the reason survival rates increase.
Research is the reason my daughter is here today - smiling, thriving, and stronger than anyone I know.
That is why September 12 matters. That is why the Heart Walk matters.
And that is why I choose to step up each year as a Team Leader at Sutter Memorial Medical Center - to help raise awareness and funds for the American Heart Association. Every day in the ER, I see how fragile life can be. I see heart attacks. I see strokes. I see families facing the unexpected. And I also see what happens when prevention, education, and research work.
But when the patient is your child... it hits differently. So when we gather on September 12, I won't just be walking as a nurse. I'll be walking as a mom.
I'll be walking for the scars on my daughter's chest. I'll be walking for the families still in the ICU. I'll be walking for the babies who haven't even been diagnosed yet.
And I'm asking you - starting today - to walk like it matters. Fundraise like it matters. Share like it matters. Because it does. Every dollar raised fuels the mission of the American Heart Association. Every team that signs up strengthens the fight. Every conversation you have between now and September 12 builds momentum. This isn't just a walk on the calendar. It's hope in motion. It's research in action. It's families like mine finding strength in a community that refuses to give up. So let's be loud. Let's be proud. Let's honor the heart warriors. And between now and September 12 - let's show this community what heart really looks like. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for fighting with us. And thank you for helping build a future where more children get to grow up strong. I'll see you at the Heart Walk.