In the past twelve months, both my parents faced significant challenges related to heart health. Their experiences deeply impacted me:

1. My Mother’s Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery: The postoperative pain she endured was heart wrenching to witness, but her resilience was inspiring. 

1. My Father’s Blocked Heart Vessels: My father began experiencing chest pain during exercise. A cardiac catheter revealed that two vital vessels to his heart were 90% blocked. The insertion of two stents was a major wake-up call. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and strokes rank fifth.

Why We Walk: We walk not only for our own health but also for yours. we walk for the well-being of our parents, children, and grandchildren. The Heart Walk is a time of celebration, joy, and inspiration. It's also an event where people work together to support one single goal - to create a world free of heart disease and stroke.​

This year, as we celebrate the Centennial of the American Heart Assocation, we will move into our second century with Bold Hearts focused on the work ahead while celebrating our lifesaving history with those who have made it possible. This relentless pursuit will continue until heart disease and stroke no longer exist.

Be a relentless force. Be a supporter of critical research. Be a lifesaver. Be a part of an unstoppable team. Join us now and walk to save lives.