
Why I Run for Heart Health
Heart disease and stroke have touched my life in ways that are difficult to put into words. They’ve brought pain and loss, but also hope and a renewed sense of purpose. These experiences have led me to passionately support the mission of the American Heart Association—and to do what I can to make a difference.
This cause is personal. Heart disease runs through both sides of my family, and I’ve seen firsthand the toll it can take. I lost my grandfather in 1996 to congestive heart failure—a time when medical options were limited, and families like mine had fewer chances to fight back. Years later, in 2012, my grandmother suffered three heart attacks in one day. By some miracle—and with the help of advancements in cardiac care and extraordinary doctors—she survived. Today, she’s 91, and every day with her is a reminder of the progress we’ve made.
Still, my heart has carried heavy losses. In 2021, I lost my mentor to a sudden heart attack. Then, in 2023, my uncle—who meant the world to me—passed away from congestive heart failure. Each loss left a mark, deepening my commitment to raise awareness, advocate for preventive care, and support the research that gives families more time together.
My own health journey has also shaped this path. As a survivor of a brain cyst, I’ve learned how crucial it is to take our health seriously—to listen to our bodies, to seek support, and to never take a single day for granted.
These experiences have led me to weave wellness into all areas of my life. From incorporating meditation into my daily routine to launching wellness programs in the workplace, I’ve made it a mission to care for both myself and those around me. I’ve come to believe that even the smallest changes—choosing to breathe, rest, move, or pause—can lead to powerful, life-saving results.
This isn’t just a run. It’s a promise—to honor my grandfather, my uncle, my mentor, and so many others. It’s a promise to fight for a healthier future, one filled with more second chances, more miracles, and more time.