3 Year Celebration, another year has come and gone

Wow, it’s hard to believe three years have passed since my heart attack. That’s three years of laughs, hugs, new friendships and celebrating life! Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would still be telling my story. Hey, my names Melissa and I had a heart attack!! But talking with people and sharing my crazy heart attack ride has opened my eyes to the need to help others. The thing about having a heart attack is there’s no outward sign telling people about your journey. Many times we recover in private and act like it didn’t happen. We may be too embarrassed and think that we did something to cause it. I didn’t exercise enough! Was my diet crappy? Maybe, I’m too stressed out? We are often too quick to move on and get back to the hustle and bustle of life. This needs to stop, and we need to TALK!!!

Just within the past two weeks, I have met two women both in their 40’s who’ve had a heart attack. It's funny how we all look at each other like you have to be kidding... Right? Had I not so publicly shared my story and went on as nothing happened I would have never had the opportunity to help others. Many times I’ll ask Joe do you think people are getting sick of me yet?? And of course, being the amazing husband, he always says no. I have to thank Joe for being the one to inspire me to continue writing this blog. This has led me to meet so many amazing people at the American Heart Association who also have the same purpose, to end the #1 killer!

I celebrated my three-year heartiversary this past weekend. To be honest, it dredged up some not so fun memories of the night I had my heart attack. You start to remember the feelings of, is this happening? I am way too young? Why me? Nuts, could this happen again, what if the stents have started to block? But then you look around and see your beautiful family and remember that you are here for a reason so don’t let it go to waste.

With February being heart month I’m trying to increase education around heart attack symptoms, hands-only CPR and furthering the cause of the American Heart Association. So like it or not your gonna be hearing a lot from me!

Below, are a few of the fun photos from the events that I have been able to attend and get the word out about not being a heart attack victim but a HEART WARRIOR!

DSM Heart Ball 2019

Ken, Colleen and Kurt’s Valentine’s Day Radiothon

Wear Red Day 2-1-19

In closing, thank you for taking the time to read my blog and facebook posts. I hope you never have to share your story with me! So let’s work together to get the word out about heart disease and put an end to a devastating problem!!

Survivor turns advocate

How crazy to think I will be coming up on my two-year heart attack anniversary. The days of worry and wondering 'will it be today?' are becoming less frequent. I no longer ponder going to bed at night and worrying that I might not wake up.

It may sound cheesy, but I'm a new me. No longer letting my heart attack define me but guide me to a place of advocacy. A place where I can let my "crazy experience" help others and brings funds and awareness to a great cause. I've referenced this number before, but 1 in 3 women will die from heart disease or stroke compared to 1 in 30 who will die from breast cancer. This statics are unacceptable and need to be changed!

(Photo courtesy of American Heart Association)

So I have this little thing called a family. Family, we all know causes us to be an Uber driver, Chef, maid, mom, wife, and master of none. So why would I take on these extra responsibilities?  I believe in giving back. And I can't think of a better organization that supports people and families that have been impacted by heart disease and stroke. Many times we all wonder how there can be enough hours in the day to do what's required of us none the less add more.  I've decided to become chair of the Go Red for Women Silent Auction Committee and be a member of the Circle of Red. These new areas will allow me to give back to an amazing organization the American Heart Association.

The support the American Heart Association has given me at not only a national but local level has been extraordinary. The AHA has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people along the way. The two areas where I will be volunteering are the Go Red for Women Silent Auction Committee Chair and Circle of Red. Go Red for Women is a part of the American Heart Association that "encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease, and also action to save more lives The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power women have to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life."

The Circle of Red Circle of Red is a society of women who have the passion, the motivation and inspiration to drive and influence change in the community regarding heart health of women in their community and across the country. Circle of Red Women help support the mission of Go Red For Women® by making a personal financial commitment to the movement.

Shortly, I'm looking forward to working with other staff and volunteers to raise the awareness of heart disease and stroke. And I plan on this being my mission for many years to come.  Don't feel like you have to wait to get involved until you are personally affected.. start today! If you are interested in getting involved or learning more, please visit the American Heart Associations website or call your local chapter. #LIFEISWHY #FAMILYISWHY #CARINGISWHY #CUREISWHY

And don't forget to wear RED on February 2nd, 2018!!