Jayme Carleton

I'm walking this October and raising money for the American Heart Association. My goal is $2,500-please consider donating to help me reach it!

Last year, my daughter's best friend Ava-an incredible, sweet, and brave 12-year-old-underwent open heart surgery. For 11 years she lived with a large hole in her atrial wall and an enlarged heart, but no one knew. Her symptoms were subtle-low energy, frequent colds, stomach pain-and easy to explain away. Her parents kept pushing for answers, and eventually discovered the heart defect that changed everything.

Thanks to surgery, Ava's symptoms have improved in countless ways-and instead of facing a shortened life expectancy, she now has the same future ahead of her as any other child.

Stories like Ava's remind us why supporting the American Heart Association matters. Their research, advocacy, and education save lives. By donating, you're not just giving-you're joining Ava's team: Heart Strong.

http://www2.heart.org/goto/JaymeC