In 2017, my grandmother, Ruth O'Leary, faced a life-threatening heart condition. Doctors discovered that one of her major heart arteries was significantly blocked, and without immediate treatment, the outcome could have been devastating.

Thanks to the incredible care she received at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, she underwent a successful procedure and received a heart stent. That intervention gave our family something priceless: more time. My grandmother went on to live to the age of 93, allowing us to create more memories, share more laughs, and enjoy years together that we may not have otherwise had.

Her story is a reminder that heart disease impacts families every day, but research, education, early detection, and quality care save lives.

That is my heart story. I'd love to hear yours. Whether you share it online with the team or with us at the Heart Walk, these stories help remind us why this cause matters.

If you're able, please consider joining us for the walk or making a donation to support the American Heart Association's mission to fight heart disease and stroke. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps create more life-saving moments for families like mine.

Let's be BraveHearts together and take a step for the people we love.