The American Heart Association's mission is deeply personal to me. My wife and son were both born with congenital heart disease, and the medical advances that have helped them live healthy, fulfilling lives were made possible through decades of research, innovation, and investment in heart health.

This year feels especially meaningful for our family. Within the next couple of years, my wife will undergo her third open-heart surgery. Because of the complex nature of her condition, the risks are higher than normal, and the road to recovery will be long. As a husband and father of two young children, the reality of facing a major surgery for someone I love is both humbling and frightening.

At the same time, we have tremendous hope. My son continues to do well and will soon begin a promising new treatment that could significantly improve his long-term health. Those opportunities exist because scientists, physicians, donors, and advocates have spent years advancing the research and treatments that save lives every day.

That's why I support the Heart Walk and why I ask for your support. Every donation helps fund breakthroughs that give families like mine more birthdays, more vacations, more game nights, more milestones ... more time together.

Thank you for helping create hope for the millions of people whose lives depend on the next medical advance.