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Hi Everyone!
I'm thrilled to share my journey running the 2024 Chicago Marathon, my first ever, to support the American Heart Association.
I grew up watching my parents and siblings run the Chicago Marathon, but it never occurred to me that I would run the event. Although, in the past year, I told myself I wanted to do something uncomfortable and help me grow as an individual.
Back in August 2023, my close friend’s father passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. I had the pleasure of growing up and knowing Walter “Buddy” Lee. He was the type of man that lit up a room with his presence. He was a man who loved life but loved his family even more. Back when I was younger, Buddy was one of my football coaches and loved calling me “Gramps”. He did this because he knew I was not going full-speed or giving it my all. It was a term of endearment and motivation to push yourself to see what you can achieve. It motivated me to be better and to this day it reminds me not to be “Gramps”. I’m blessed to have known for him for over 15+ years. His passing invigorated me to run the 2024 Chicago Marathon because it felt like I owed this to him, as he has showed constant kindness to me ever since I was a kid.
I chose the American Heart Association to honor Buddy, the Lee family, my family, friends, and others that struggle from heart disease. I hope to help the American Heart Association raise money to help fight the fight against heart diseases and strokes.
Walter "Buddy" Lee Obituary: https://angelcrestinc.com/obituaries/walter-buddy-lee/
According to the American Heart Association:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains as the leading cause of death in the United States, accounted for 928,741 deaths in the year 2020.
- In 2020 in the United States, coronary heart disease (CHD) was the leading cause (41.2%) of deaths attributable to CVD in the United States, followed by stroke (17.3%), other CVD (16.8%), high blood pressure (12.9%), heart failure (9.2%), diseases of the arteries (2.6%).
Please consider a donation to a wonderful organization.
“Gramps” looks forward to seeing you at the finish line.