Throughout the year, our blog will feature AHA volunteer stories of survival and hope. We know there are thousands of stories like these - thats why we want to say “Thanks” to all of you for giving your time and sharing your lives with us. You can’t spell CURE without U! Thank you for all you do to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. YOU’RE THE CURE!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The HeartWalk is personal to me



You probably don’t know this. My work at the American Heart Association is professional..…and personal. In 1975, my Grandpa Snyder died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 57. I was born in 1976. When I was six, my Grandma Lindemann died of stroke. I never had the chance to know either of these grandparents and share our lives together. My work at the AHA is important in many ways, but especially so that my nieces, nephews and children can know their grandparents and celebrate many wonderful occasions with them. We all know someone who has suffered from heart disease or stroke.

The Twin Cities Start!HeartWalk raises money for important American Heart Association programs like advocacy, cultural health and other health education. The money raised also funds important research to find cures for heart disease and stroke.

Because you are a You’re the Cure advocate, you understand the importance of legislative advocacy and the impact we have made on creating a more heart-healthy state. Please help us raise $1,000!

Click here to make a donation!

Because of the American Heart Association advocacy team and advocates like you, we have saved thousands of lives through the equipping state patrol cars with AEDs (automatic external defibrillators), reducing smoking rates through a tobacco tax, reducing exposure to secondhand smoke with the Freedom to Breathe Act and educating elected officials about other policies that will make our state heart-healthy.

The Twin Cities Start!HeartWalk will take place on Saturday, April 25 at Harriet Island in St. Paul. You are not obligated to attend the HeartWalk if you donate. However, you are welcome to join in the walk or help out at the advocacy booth that day.

For more information about donating or volunteering, please contact me at bethany.snyder@heart.org or at 952-278-7921.

No comments: