San Diego Heart Walk

My sister has walked in the Ft. Worth Heart walk benefiting the American Heart Association for the past few years honoring both of our parents. Now it's my turn to do the same.  I'm walking the 5K through Balboa Park on September 19th in remembrance of my Dad and in honor of my Mom who is a survivor. 

The saddest day of my life occurred on April 25, 2006 when my Dad passed away due to complications with his heart.  He had aortic valve replacement surgery when I was young and lived 2 decades with his artificial valve. I can remember as a kid hearing his heart beat and then his valve tick.  I thought it was the coolest thing in the world.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him and wish he was still with us.

Fast forward to 2008 when we found out my Mom needed open heart surgery for the same condition.  Luckily, her heart condition was caught early (although ironically something she was born with) and we are so thankful that she is fully recovered and will outlive all of us.

I have set a personal goal to raise funds that are needed for critical heart disease and stroke research and education. If you'd like to donate to the cause, please click on the image below.  Thank you in advance for your support.