As a child, I remember being very scared for my mom's life every time her blood pressure sky rocketed. She had a rare heart condition too so I prayed for her health every day of my life.
As I grew older, I always wondered... Am I someday going to get high blood pressure like my grandparents, grandaunts/uncles, parents, and siblings? — I eventually did, just a year ago... My siblings joked "welcome to the club" as this is an inherited disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the U.S. and the number 2 cause of death for Hispanics (behind cancer, which is what actually took my mom's life 16 years ago).
Being nominated as "Queen of Hearts" is an honor, but also a huge responsibility. I know my mom in Heaven is proud of me for raising money and awareness of the dangers of cardiovascular disease. I have seen close friends survive heart attacks, thanks to taking quick action and being close to great hospitals and amazing doctors. But unfortunately, I have also seen friends lose their lives...
Please help me exceed my goal of $10,000 by February 4, 2019, for it would be amazing to continue cardiovascular disease research, advocacy and education here in Louisville. Together, we can do this!
Thanks, Ingrid
