I walk to save lives!
This year we are dedicating our WFLA News Channel 8 Heart Walk efforts to our friend and colleague Paul Lamison. He was not only our Chief Photographer but also the voice you heard in the mornings as the Eagle 8 Helicopter Reporter. He passed away very suddenly, in August, while out on a walk. He was only 57 years old. Losing Paul shook our News Channel 8 family. Paul had worked here for more than 25 years and he was everyone’s go-to person. Paul is why the News Channel 8 family is walking this year.
I also walk because of my family’s long history of heart disease and stroke. I lost my Mom a year ago after she went into sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of the night. It was sudden and unexpected and I still have a hard time believing she's actually gone.
I lost my Dad, Norm Schaible, a few years ago. While he didn't die from heart disease.. his heart condition complicated how they were able to treat his form of cancer. My Dad had what was called a widow maker. They discovered it here in Tampa on the eve of my daughter's baptism in 2006. He had emergency bypass surgery at Tampa General Hospital and that bought us 11 more wonderful years with him.
My sister Carrie suffered a serious heart attack at the age of 40 and required emergency bypass surgery just a few months after my son was born in 2001. She has three children of her own. She is the reason I walked in my very first Heart Walk that year and every year since.
My stepdad, Jim Mlodzik, went to the ER with shortness of breath last year. After some severe blockages were found, they put in four stents and today, he's still doing great.
I guess it's pretty obvious why I am so involved in the Heart Walk year after year. My family is why. I'm very grateful that my employer, WFLA TV, has helped me take my fundraising to a whole new level!
I hope you will join my team and/or donate because chances are you also know someone impacted by heart disease or stroke. Please help me make a difference. Help me save lives!
Thank you in advance for your support!
