It's that time of year again.  As we prepare for this year’s American Heart Association Heart Walk on May 30th, I find myself reflecting on why this walk means so much to us—not just as an organization, but as a family.

Last year, we walked for Aleshia. Her strength, resilience, and recovery after her heart attack in November 2024 brought us together in a powerful way. And just months later, she faced another battle in June 2025—reminding us all how fragile and precious life truly is.

And then came a loss that still sits heavy on our hearts. On November 7, 2025, we lost our dear colleague, David Driskill, far too soon to a massive heart attack and stroke. David was vibrant, gifted, and full of life. His absence is deeply felt—and his memory is something we carry with us.

This year, we don’t just walk for one person.

We walk for Aleshia.
We walk for David.
We walk for ourselves.
We walk for the people we love.

Heart health is not something that happens “to someone else.” It touches every one of us—our families, our friends, our coworkers, our students. This walk is our moment to pause, to honor, to raise awareness, and to recommit to taking care of the one life we’ve been given.
But it’s also something beautiful.

It’s laughter.
It’s connection.
It’s fresh air, music, community, and yes… a little swag too 
It’s stepping outside of our daily routines and showing up for each other in a different way.

There is something powerful about seeing OIC HeartBeats walking together—side by side, united in purpose, in love, and in remembrance.

So I’m asking you—join us again this year.

Sign back up. Invite a friend. Bring your family. Wear your OIC pride. Let’s show up strong, together, and with full hearts.

Because this is bigger than a walk.

It’s a statement.                                                               
It’s a commitment.
It’s love in motion.