I'm happy to be a coach for the AHA for another year because the work that they do is so important. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults in the US, with nearly one person dying every 36 seconds and stroke is the 5th most common cause of death in adults. The AHA has a long history of providing educational support, CPR training as well as grants to research that address heart disease and stroke. When I think of friends and family that have lost their lives or lost their functioning due to stroke or heart disease, I realize how important it is to walk just one mile to help raise funds to prevent it from happening to anyone else I care about.
As a Fire Fighter for 18 years I have seen first hand the impact cardiac disease can have on a household as well within our own department. An estimated 45% of all on duty deaths in Fire Fighters are caused by cardiovascular events, attributed to the harsh conditions of the job and the sudden strain associated with fire response. I want to see my family, friends, and community living long healthy lives and cardiac health is at the center of that wish.
I walk because I know that with every step, I’m making a difference in someone’s life. And when combined with a million other Heart Walk Heroes across the nation, we have an even greater impact toward curing heart disease and stroke. I hope you will consider joining my team as a walker, as a donor or even just to show your support of the fight against stroke and cardiac disease.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today!