I'd heard this statistic for years...cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. I'd heard the story of my great grandmother dropping dead of a massive heart attack while putting Christmas cookies in the oven each year as I did the same.

 

Now, I was a statistic and the subject of a story that my family will now share. Ignoring signs that weren't "classic" heart attack symptoms (at least not what we hear for men), I felt a burning in my chest following a cold. Brushed it off as a bronchial issue. Traveled, went back to work, went about day-to-day life until I got stopped in my tracks. At 59, I had a heart attack - a major blockage of the left anterior descending artery (aka "the widow maker"). It's still hard to write those words. 

 

I'm here because of dedicated people who save lives. And I couldn't be more grateful.

 

It's time to unite, take action, and save lives. Every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone. Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.

 

I Walk to Save Lives. Help me reach my goal today.