I was living in New York when I received the call. My father, the picture of health, would be undergoing emergency heart surgery. You never truly know how precious each second is until you aren't certain if you will have enough seconds to make it home.

 I did make it home in time. That evening, my father underwent a quadruple bypass and mitral valve repair. His heart stopped during the surgery, but the team was able to stabilize him. The doctors explained that the next few days were crucial in his outcome and that his arteries were in terrible condition, and we should understand the magnitude of the situation. My father’s heart stopped beating again and we watched as the team tried to bring him back to life. After 42 minutes, they were able to stabilize him! He is alive and well today and now every second matters. 

 My why? Because my father is living his second life and not every family is so lucky. My why? Because I am at an increased risk to suffer a cardiovascular event. My why? Because heart disease is the #1 killer of women and 80% preventable.

 Knowledge is power. As your Go Red for Women 2019 Open Your Heart Chair, I want each person to know how much their support matters. Supporting the AHA is saving lives and it matters. Every dollar matters. Every second matters.