It all started with a conversation with Marsha Jackson, Executive Director of the South Central Pennsylvania American Heart Association. As we were talking, my mind kept going back to family stories about my grandfather: Forrest W. Hiltner was my mother’s father, and his memory loomed large on that side of the family. The former World War II Army Sergeant was a husband, father of six, and passed away of a heart attack on September 13, 1971, at the age of fifty-four. I never got to meet him.
My family’s world turned upside down in an instant. That was the same day my parents were scheduled to have their engagement pictures taken. It was the day before my grandparents’ 25th wedding anniversary. The impact, the irony and the pain were immediate and cruel.
I am getting involved with the American Heart Association to honor my grandfather, and also my mother’s siblings, who share a history of cardiac events. My goal is to increase awareness of a heart-healthy lifestyle, and to increase the community’s knowledge on how to properly administer CPR.
I have a personal motivations, as well. As I have gotten older, I realized I needed to do more for myself to stay healthy. I have been running distance races for more than ten years, started biking two years ago, and have made a conscious effort to remain active and eat healthier. I want to see my three children grow up, graduate from college, and get married. I hope to spend time in my retirement years with my grandchildren... I want to be the grandfather to them that I wish my grandfather had been to me.
The simple truth is that cardiovascular diseases do not impact only the patient. They can break the heart of the entire family. So even though it’s personal for me, it’s about much more than just me. My hope is that our work together will positively influence many individuals and families.
The American Heart Association’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. I deeply believe in this mission, and I hope you will join me in this important, life-saving work for families and individuals across South Central Pennsylvania.
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. I hope to see you walking with me.
Thank you!
Christian