Hi, my name is Sonya, and the reason I will be walking is for two very important people in my life—my mom and my grandmother—as well as for all those who are no longer with us and for the many people currently living with heart disease.

My grandmother is no longer here, but she was truly the foundation of our family and the one who kept us all on the right path. We shared a very special relationship that I will cherish forever. Everything she taught me, I am now passing down to my children. Our family was truly blessed to have her in our lives for 98 years.

Recently, our family experienced a medical emergency involving my mom that required an urgent trip to the emergency room. Her blood pressure and heart rate were extremely high, and the doctors said it was a good thing she came in when she did—had she waited any longer, the outcome could have been very different. I am incredibly grateful to still have my mom here today.

I know there are many people who, like my grandmother, were not as fortunate to still be with us. That is why it is so important to come out and support this walk—so we can raise awareness and receive valuable information on ways to prevent and treat heart disease.