I walk because of the millions of Americans who are impacted by stroke and heart disease.
As vascular neurologist, I have committed my career to treating and educating others about stroke. Recently, the improvements we've seen in our communities in stroke death rates is slowing down, and for young patients with stroke, rates are actually getting worse. My clinical work focuses on understanding the causes of stroke and ways to reverse stroke damage. I chose to serve Utah because of the opportunity to address the great disparities of stroke care in urban and rural areas, as well as between other social determinants of brain health. Some of this involves working in underserved and rural stroke clinics, and I also guide the Utah stroke task force as the current president to create policies to improve stroke care throughout the state.
I have also have been impacted by stroke within my own family. Two of my grandparents have died from stroke, and I have seen firsthand the profound impacts on families and relationships that are the result.
I hope that you will join me on my walk to support the American Heart Association in its mission to support stroke patients though research, education, and treatments for our community and around the nation.