I never thought it could be me.

In January of 2026, I had a stomachache after dinner.  I went to bed that night, not giving that stomach pain another thought.  The next morning, while walking my dogs, it came back. Not as severe as the night before, but it was there and very noticeable on my walk. I ignored it again.  Later that day, after two cups of espresso coffee and going up and down my stairs to get out the door for an appointment, the pain again returned.  It was on my drive to my appointment that I called a friend who was a nurse.  She encouraged me to go to the ER to be evaluated for a heart attack.  She said women present different symptoms and that it should not be ignored.  I was feeling better, so I ignored it. I promised that if it came back again, I would go to the ER. I explained everything to my husband and what my friend had told me.  He said if it comes back, we go to the ER. The very next morning, walking my dogs, that stomach pain returned.  

I went to the ER. I indeed had a cardiac event. I was very lucky.  It was only a small branching artery that was blocked.  I am fortunate that this small cardiac event gave the opportunity to make lifestyle changes to help prevent any future events.  Although this was only a small event,  I waited a couple of days to get medical attention.  It just never crossed my mind that anything cardiac could be the cause of my stomach pain. I walked and exercised daily. I did not have high blood pressure. I thought I did a good job paying attention to my diet.  I was wrong.  I learned during recovery how to improve my diet and to exercise safely again.  The most important thing I learned was the impact of high stress.  This was my wake-up call to manage stress and lead a more peaceful life.   

In a heartbeat, you could be the difference.

9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive. Most of the time, it’s because no one nearby performed CPR. But together, we can change that.

Extraordinary things happen when people take action. A small step. A simple skill. A lifesaving moment. Heart Walk brings communities together to create health and hope for every heartbeat. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more people trained in CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.  

Extraordinary starts with YOU. Help me reach my goal today!