Hello hello! I'm Paul Atienza, an SF-based runner who enjoys running any distance from one to 52.4 miles and organizing community runs to explore the city including Strava art, food tours, and cultural landmarks.
I’m raising funds for the American Heart Association (AHA) as I train for the 2025 Chicago Marathon in honor of my mom, Corazon Atienza, who is alive today thanks to a life-saving heart transplant at Inova Schar Heart and Vascular in Northern Virginia. Her journey from surviving cardiac arrest to receiving the ultimate gift of a new heart (on Valentine's Day!) has been a testament to resilience, love, and the power of medical innovation.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The AHA plays a critical role in funding research, education, and advancements in cardiovascular care, important work that can make an impact on families like mine.
Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a difference for other families. Together, we can help fund life-saving programs and research that will keep more hearts beating strong. Running the Chicago Marathon is my way of giving back and raising awareness for a cause that has given my family so much. Thank you for joining me in this effort!
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Read more about my Mom's story on Inova's website: https://www.inovanewsroom.org/featured-posts/2023/03/complex-course-of-treatment-showcases-ihvis-team-approach/
Follow my training on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/101296233
