I’m excited to be nominated for the American Heart Association's Leaders of Impact campaign this year. As part of this year’s class of changemakers, and your current Miss District of Columbia, I am dedicated to making a lasting impact on the health of our community and hope that I can count on your support!
Despite many advances, cardiovascular disease is still the number 1 cause of death in the United States. As a woman, I am acutely aware of the gender disparities in heart health. Women are up to twice as likely as men to die from complications of a heart attack, and less likely to receive bystander CPR (39% compared to 45% of men). As a 6-time heart attack survivor, these are not just a statistic; they’re a battle I've fought and continue to fight each day.
In our country, 50 million people face an elevated risk of heart disease due to a lack of basic necessities – healthy food, clean air and water, quality education, employment, and housing.
As a Leader of Impact, and through my role as Miss District of Columbia, I'm committed to using this platform to advocate for heart health alongside the American Heart Association. Together, we can work to remove barriers to health through community initiatives, scientific research, and advocating for healthy policies.
I’m thrilled that the American Heart Association is the national philanthropy for Miss America and am excited to be leading a team of inspiring people (including other Miss America titleholders!) to make an impact. Are you with us in making a real impact on the health of our community? Click the Donate button to support the American Heart Association today.
Thank you for being part of this journey towards a world of longer, healthier lives for all.