Thank you, Barbara Vinson, for Giving Your Time and Advocating for a Healthier Tomorrow!

Volunteers from across our You're the Cure Network have been sharing their stories with us about why they advocate for the American Heart Association.

Read Barbara Vinson's story below:

The answer is a simple one. I have congestive heart failure for which I have been treated a good eight years. I believe it both necessary and valuable to be aware of any changes occurring with my heart, and it's paid off. Only last year I acquired a pacemaker because suddenly, I could hardly get my breath. If I could keep on top of any progress made for the heart by both associations, then you never know--I could extend my own life and perhaps help a friend or a relative to be aware of any suspicious changes in their heart. I only wish I could have helped my brother.

-Barbara H. Vinson
Winton, MN

Thank you, Barbara, for all you do as an advocate and for sharing your story with us.

Do you have a story to share? Do you want to be picked as a feature for our blog? Send us your story by e-mailing Melissa.Horn@heart.org today!

So many of us are affected by heart disease and stroke. That's why our advocacy network, You're the Cure, provides you with an opportunity to fight back and tell your legislators why these issues are so important to you. Join You're the Cure TODAY, by logging on at www.yourethecure.org !