My dad had a heart attack at 36 years old. In the summer of 1989, I was 7 and my brother was 2. The aftermath completely disrupted our lives. We had to move in with my grandparents, I had to change schools and leave friends behind but he was alive. For the rest of his life he slowly declined, he worked, he had no choice. But he was in and out of the hospital in a never ending roller coaster ride. I dressed for my high school graduation in a hospital bathroom. He was released against doctors advice because he refused to miss it. I became an EMT after my mother died (from cancer) mostly because I was solely responsible for his care. I wanted to be prepared and informed. I learned CPR and informally taught it to everyone else. We asked the doctor and insurance for an AED and it was denied. The biggest factors in his death were access to care and his cooperation with the treatment. The American Heart Association works with doctors and families to teach CPR, access to care and share information. I am walking for my Dad.