Supporting the Heart & Stroke Walk will always be personal to me. In 2018, while I was working at the American Heart Association, my 88-year old Grandpa Don suffered a stroke just weeks before my first Heart Walk. He received incredible care at Mercy Hospital of Folsom, making it feel especially full circle that I now have the privilege of working here with Dignity Health!

Watching his recovery and celebrating milestones like being able to tie one of his signature bow ties again showed my family firsthand how compassionate care, rehabilitation, and therapy can make all the difference in a stroke survivor's recovery. Through my time at AHA, I saw how this walk directly supports patients, caregivers, the research that goes into life saving programs. I'm forever grateful for the support of teams that participate in this walk! In honor of my Grandpa Don, consider wearing a red bow tie at this year's walk!