Hi everyone, welcome to my fundraising page!

This November, I’ll be running the NYC Marathon for The American Heart Association’s Team Heart & Stroke. I’m so proud to be selected as one of 45 team members, joining over 50,000 runners in the world’s largest marathon, supporting a cause that means the world to me.

I’m running in honor of my dad, David Katz. In 2018, at just 55 years old, my dad suffered a heart attack and underwent quintuple bypass surgery. My family and I were devastated and in complete shock. My dad had no history of cardiac issues and no apparent risk factors. He didn’t smoke, rarely drank, exercised regularly and could still outpace me on 20-mile bike rides. My dad spent three incredibly tough weeks in the hospital, mostly in the ICU. I was so terrified that we were going to lose him.

Genetic testing revealed that my dad has extremely high levels of lipoprotein-A, a genetic risk factor for heart disease. I’ve inherited this as well, and while I can’t change my genetics, I remain hopeful that continued advancements in research and medicine will help those at risk for heart disease, like me. I want to do my part to champion these efforts. My dad was fortunate to survive, but not everyone is as lucky.

Please consider helping me reach my goal of raising $5,000 for the American Heart Association. Whether you’re able to donate any amount or simply share this page, I would be so grateful.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

—Jaimee ♥