This November, I'm taking on the 26.2 miles of the New York City Marathon to support the American Heart Association—and I have a deeply personal reason for every step.
In June 2022, my life changed forever when I suffered a heart attack caused by a little-known condition that largely impacts otherwise healthy women - Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). What could have been the end of my story became a new beginning and a powerful reminder of how precious life is. When I woke up in that hospital bed, barely able to move, my first thought was, "When can I run again?" I had just started running in earnest three months prior. Five months later, I would finish my first half marathon in Philadelphia. Today, I'm thriving and training to accomplish something I once thought impossible.
The American Heart Association's work in research, education, and advocacy directly impacts survivors like me and countless others. Every dollar they receive helps fund breakthrough research, provide critical patient support, and raise awareness about heart disease—America's #1 killer.
For those who would like to make a donation, thank you! There are many ways to support this goal, and any donation of any amount is meaningful. Some ways to help --
1. Make a gift in the amount of your choosing. Donate the cost of your date night for the month, your coffee for the week - whatever feels right to you!
2. Sponsor a mile. Spoiler alert: there are 26 of them! If I'm able to generate a $100 sponsorship for every mile I have to run, I'm halfway to my goal!
3. Share this page and help me spread the word. Know someone who has a personal connection to cardiac health or would like to support my cause? Please share this page with them! Every share helps.
Thank you for supporting both my personal marathon challenge and the millions of Americans affected by heart disease.
- Jen Tuohy, partner to Maggie, loving parent of Glory & Nan, planning to live and thrive as long as humanly possible.
