My paternal grandparents and my father all developed cardiovascular disease and each of them died because of it.
My memories of each of them are strong -- my grandfather taught me to love nature, to appreciate rural areas and to enjoy being outdoors. He was a talented musician and a veteran. My grandmother taught me the importance of our oldest and dearest friends, of family, kindness and empathy. My father was an entrepreneur with a strong work ethic, passion for communications and a deep faith.
I have lost many more loved ones to heart disease, but these three were the most painful. We all know people impacted by heart disease and stroke - they are, after all, the #1 and #5 leading causes of death in the U.S.
I walk because I believe in the mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases around the world and would like to help other families avoid painful losses like mine. I walk because it's fun and it's a great way to support my team (many of whom are shown in the photo) at Duke Heart Center!
Please consider a donation toward my goal. Anything that feels comfortable for you will help me help the American Heart Association continue their work to fund valuable CVD research as well as community efforts across America. Every dollar helps.
Consider walking with me on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a mission to save lives and you can help.
I hope you'll consider making a contribution toward my goal! But, if you can't donate and you're unable to join the walk, please do what you can to understand your own risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Then, take steps to prevent or better manage it. Your choices matter!
