The American Heart Association and the Heart Walk have become deeply personal to me because heart disease and stroke have impacted so many people I love.
Both of my grandmothers faced heart conditions and strokes later in life that significantly affected their daily lives and independence. Watching those challenges firsthand showed me how life-changing cardiovascular disease can be for individuals and families.
In 2021, my husband suffered a heart attack without experiencing the major warning signs many people expect. What followed was an emergency procedure that required nine stents. That experience completely changed our perspective on heart health and reinforced how critical awareness, prevention, and early intervention truly are.
Our family faced another frightening moment in 2023 when my mother-in-law survived a widow-maker heart attack. Her survival was nothing short of a miracle and another reminder of why research, education, and access to lifesaving care matter so much.
Then in 2025, my own health journey became part of this story when I survived A-Fib and a catastrophic health crisis related to POTS. Recovery has given me an even deeper appreciation for every heartbeat, every day, and every person working to advance heart health research and patient support.
Supporting the American Heart Association and participating in the Heart Walk is more than just a community event to me — it represents hope, awareness, advocacy, and gratitude. It is a way to honor the people we love, celebrate the lives that have been saved, and support the fight so future families can experience more healthy years together.