Heart disease has been a painful thread woven through my entire life. As a South Asian woman, I come from a community where heart disease is far too common, but for me, it’s not just a statistic — it’s my family’s story.

When I was 7 years old, my father made the greatest sacrifice a parent can make. He left everything behind in Bangladesh and brought us to America so we could have a better future. I watched him work tirelessly and selflessly, always putting us first. And through all those years, I also watched him quietly battle heart disease. It was a constant shadow over his life — and ours. On September 22, 2025, I lost him. Losing a parent is devastating, but losing one who gave up everything for you breaks you in a different way.

My mother also lives with heart disease, so for as long as I can remember, caring and worrying about heart health has been part of our daily life. It isn’t abstract. It isn’t far away. It’s here, and it’s personal.

Now, as a mother to a 4 year old daughter, my purpose has become even clearer. I want to be here for her — truly here — healthy, present, and strong. I want her to grow up understanding the importance of heart health, especially in our South Asian community. I want her to see that we can break this cycle. I want her to know that her future doesn’t have to be defined by our past.

That’s why I’m walking. That’s why I’m raising funds. And that’s why your support means more to me than I can express. Together, we can honor the people we’ve lost, protect the people we love, and create a healthier future for the next generation.