Hey everyone,

As many of you know, in 2019 I was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, a bicuspid aortic valve, the most common form of congenital heart disease. Over time, it progressed to severe aortic regurgitation and an aortic root aneurysm, both of which required open-heart surgery. I will likely need additional surgeries in the future.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects about 1% of babies born in the U.S. each year and is a lifelong condition. It spans a wide spectrum of structural heart defects, many of which require surgery, sometimes at birth, and often periodically throughout life. Thanks to advances in detection, management, and surgical care, survival rates have improved dramatically, and today there are more than 2 million Americans living with congenital heart disease.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Camp del Corazon, a camp for kids with CHD. It was an incredibly meaningful experience and one I plan to continue every summer. For the first time, I was surrounded by a community of people, both kids and adults, who truly understand what it means to live with CHD. Hearing their stories and sharing in that experience was something I’ll never forget.

I feel incredibly fortunate. Because of amazing doctors and the work of organizations dedicated to heart health, I’m able to live a full and active life, and I don’t take that for granted.

That’s why I’m proud to be running the NYC Marathon on November 1 in support of the American Heart Association. The AHA plays a critical role in funding research, advancing treatment, and improving outcomes for people with heart disease and stroke. Their work helps save and extend lives, mine included.

Heart disease affects millions of people, and every donation helps fund lifesaving research, education, and care. While some people face far greater challenges than I have, organizations like the AHA are working every day to improve outcomes for everyone.

Thank you so much for your support, it truly means a lot.