HEARTWALK SEASON IS HERE!!! It's been quite a few years I have participated in being one of Orlando's Heartwalk coaches, and it has been an absolute pleasure! Giving credit to Bobbie Jean Cabezas for passing the baton to me!\ufffc
Below is an article that was written on my behalf in 2016. It will explain my "WHY." \ufffc
Just in case you're wondering, yes, I am asking for donations on behalf of this cause! What would be even better is that you would join my team, "RHYTHM NATION" and join me in this cause!
From now, until December, I'll be sharing articles from the American Heart Association that will benefit the lives of you, your family and loved ones.
Please enjoy the article and let us join this fight together!
By the way, STAY HYDRATED!!!
To donate on my behalf http://www2.heart.org/goto/Maria_Angelica_Cruz \ufffc
To join or donate to the team "RHYTHM NATION" http://www2.heart.org/goto/Rhythm_Nation
THANK YOU!
#AmericanheartAssociation#OrlandoHeartwalk #savinglives #savinglivestogether #December6#whatisyourwhy #celebration #celebrationoflife
ARTICLE:Last year, Maria Cruz, a registered nurse in the Cardiovascular Intervention Unit on the Orlando campus, became the first employee to sign up to become a team captain for Heart Walk. This year, she will once again be leading her team, Rhythm Nation. For Cruz, her decision to get involved with Heart Walk was much more than a commitment to raise funds for the American Heart Association. For her, it was personal.When Cruz was in her twenties, she witnessed her father die of a massive heart attack at age 64. He had been working in the garage on his car and began experiencing chest pains. "To see my father, whom I had always known to be such a strong man, become so vulnerable, is something I will never forget," said Cruz. Shortly after her father's death, she enrolled in nursing school, where she chose to specialize in cardiac care.Unfortunately, her father's death would not be her only link to heart disease. Many members of her family are at high risk for cardiac disease and diabetes. Cruz herself sees a cardiologist and openly struggles with the disease. Thanks to the information she has received from the American Heart Association, Cruz has become an enthusiastic advocate of education about the disease and is now encouraging her family and friends to make even small changes to reduce their risk factors. "I'm more aware now that my actions have consequences," said Cruz. "I spent a lifetime developing bad habits, and I understand now that you can change your lifestyle. It's not easy, but it is possible."Cruz's family and work colleagues love her newfound passion. She credits her nurse manager and co-workers with being the arms that lift her up when she needs encouragement. Many of her family members are on her Heart Walk team and have also made positive changes in their lives to become healthier. "Heart disease has impacted Maria's life in many ways, so it's so motivational to see her passion as a team captain," said Stephanie Harris of the American Heart Association. "She keeps her team motivated and understands everyone has a reason to fight for a healthy lifestyle. She gets that."Cruz hopes that every employee will consider their role in this year's walk. "Being a part of Heart Walk is very rewarding and there's power in numbers," said Cruz. "My involvement with Heart Walk has taught me that I don't have to be a victim because of my genetics. I can chose to be part of the solution instead
