In November 2017, my father went to the hospital after experiencing severe dizzy spells, chest pain, and exhuastion. After three weeks of hospitalization and nearly a hundred tests, he was diagnosed with Giant Cell Myocarditis, a rare disease in which the immune system attacks the heart and other healthy tissue.
As the disease progresses, patients often require a heart transplant, though medications can sometimes prolong their lives while they wait on the transplant list. Unfortunately, my father was among the 40% of patients who do not respond to treatment. In early December, he fell into a coma and soon after passed away.
My Dad was my best friend and losing him was the hardest thing I have ever and will ever go through. I’m running to honor my father’s memory, to support families affected by devastating heart conditions like Giant Cell Myocarditis, and to contribute to research that could spare others from experiencing the suffering my family has gone through.
Please consider donating to support this incredibly important organization and the lifesaving work they do. Every donation, no matter the size, truly means more than I can express.
