Have a Heart!

For the third year (and second time as a Team Co-Captain) I'm participating in the American Heart Association Heart Walk. Team name: Sexy in Sneakers. How great is that? I know you're jealous. How can you become part of such a cool phenomenon? You can click here to donate! I know it's slow going this year with economy down the tubes, but this is important!

When I was six, my maternal grandmother died of a heart attack. I remember just a horrible feeling in the house and then my mom was gone for a few days and my other grandparents came to stay with my sister and I. He lived in WA and at the time we lived in Northern CA, but were only weeks away from moving to Germany.

Did you know the Heart Association also raises money and researches to combat against stroke? Just over three years ago, my first niece was born (Emily). She had a minor stroke the day she arrived- nearly a month early. Bet you didn't know that stroke in infants is almost as common as it is in the elderly. However, she's 3 now, a little firecracker and my future triathlete.

And just a couple months ago, the day after my 29th bday, I was at my mom's getting ready for my first triathlon of the season the next day. My dad was there too and he seemed a little off. Tired, dizzy, etc. I thought it was because he wasn't stressed and not taking care of himself and eating enough- so I forced some food on him. My aunt (the retired OR Nurse) checked his blood pressure and pulse and everything seemed ok. But I was still worried. After much convincing he finally went to the doctor. As it turns out, he had a minor stroke. Right there in front of us. Looking back, he showed some of the symptoms but we had no clue. Fortunately it was so minor that he doesn't have any effects from it, but they're still running a bunch of tests to see what's going on. (Dizziness, nausea, fainting, fatigue, etc) So far, CT Scan, MRI and then an ENG? Checking his heart, his head, his ears.... So basically- the Heart Walk is important to me! Please help spread the word!