This cause is incredibly important to me. My grandfather, who I adore, passed suddenly just shy of his 75th birthday while I was expecting my first child to meet this incredible person in my life. His wife, and my professional role model who pushed me to have a strong work ethic, suffered a stroke in the prime of her retirement at the age of 78. She lived with the debilitating effects with years to follow. It has left a lasting impression on me as heart diseases and stroke impacted those who were critical in my upbringing.
Also, as a pediatrician I see the impact that a healthy lifestyle and preventive measures can make on children’s future starting from birth. I am truly an upstreamist and believe through proactive nutrition and healthy lifestyles, the looming threat of heart diseases and stroke can be diminished. For those reasons and more, I am proud to be part of the Heart Mini on behalf of my family and UC Health.
