I am honored to be running the Chicago Marathon on behalf of the American Heart Association (AHA)! My husband and I chose to support the AHA because of the profound impact it has had on our lives.
In 2021, my mother-in-law suffered a massive heart attack and was rushed to the ER. She spent four challenging months in the hospital, overcoming countless setbacks. Thanks to groundbreaking innovations supported by the AHA, she received a second chance at life. One of those innovations is the left-ventricular assist device (LVAD), which now keeps her heart beating and allows us to share precious years together that we might not have otherwise had. Moments like her being with us on our wedding day are gifts we cherish, and they are made possible by advancements in cardiovascular care.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. Yet, women remain significantly underrepresented in clinical cardiovascular trials. The AHA is working to change that by investing in critical research and initiatives that save lives and improve health outcomes for women everywhere.
Your donation will help fund lifesaving research, raise awareness, and support the health of women and families across the globe. No amount is too small. Thank you for your support, and I hope to see you out on the marathon course in October, cheering for all of us running to save lives!