Celebrating Heart Health This February: Personal Stories in Our Community
Diane Kirksey
Heart Month & Why Awareness is So Important
Every February, we celebrate Heart Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the importance of heart health and raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting millions of people each year, yet many still don't fully understand the risks or how to take proactive steps toward a healthier heart.
This month serves as a reminder that heart health isn't just about avoiding disease—it’s about nurturing our overall well-being. Whether you’re 18 or 80, making heart-healthy choices can have a profound impact on your life. Through education, lifestyle changes, and community support, we can make a real difference in preventing and managing heart disease. In this post, I’m sharing a few personal stories of loved ones who’ve experienced their own heart health journeys, hoping to inspire you to take action and take care of your heart this February and beyond.
Heart Health is a Family Journey
Heart health affects more than just the individual - it impacts an entire family. From a baby born with a congenital heart defect to a grandparent experiencing heart failure, it can bring emotional, physical and financial challenges that ripple through loved ones. Often, we see loved ones adjusting their own life to help manage the health of their loved one. Recognizing and acknowledging the individuals and their families can foster a culture of support and awareness for years to come - not just for the one families but for all.
Why Heart Health Is Important to Me - Will's Heart Journey
In 2022, our nephew, Will, born to my brother Dennis and sister-in-law Michelle, was born with Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) which is a congenital heart defect where both the aorta (carrying oxygen-rich blood) and the pulmonary artery (carrying oxygen poor-blood) both originate from the right ventricle mixing the blood. While this was unknown until a little after delivery, his story and our family's story with Heart Health was just beginning.
Will spent extended time in the NICU while doctors and nurses gave exceptional care and began creating a game plan for next steps. Michelle spent countless hours, days, and nights at the hospital with Dennis coming to and from the hospital when able with the support of my parents staying with their older daughter. While it was a time of hardship, it was also a time where community gathered and support was given.
After 6 months of time spent in and out of the hospital, countless medication administrations, meetings with doctors to create a surgery plan, time of quarantining before surgery to keep Will virus free, he was finally a candidate for surgery. Let's skip to the good part - it was successful! Will's heart was re-plumbed and he was on the road to recovery.
At almost 2 years old, Will and family received amazing news - he had officially graduated heart failure clinic! This was not because he is exceptionally strong (which he is!) but because of the support, the attention, the care, and the love given to him, Dennis, and Michelle, from their medical team, friends, and family.
Today we are SO thankful for the silly, fun-loving boy who we are so grateful to call our nephew and my boys get to call their cousin. We are so thankful for the entire Heart Community for giving Will life!
How Heart Health Touches our Village - Kennan's Inspiring Story
Heart Health affects people of all ages and stages, and our FIT4MOM North San Antonio Play Group Captain, super mom of Benji, and friend to all, Kennan, has her own Heart Story. The first time I heard Kennan's story was when someone asked her what she was involved with at Texas A&M to which she replied "Tried no to die...literally." She went on to tell her inspiring story of resilience, determination, and strength...so let's hear it directly from her:
I grew up with an unidentified congenital heart disease that nearly took my life at 20 years old called Atrial Septum Defect in combination with two other heart and blood disorders called Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Factor 5 Lieden.
Growing up, exercise and sports were always a struggle for me. Really any form of physical exertion felt near impossible, but my weaknesses were explained away for the first 20 years of my life with false statements about women.
“Not every girl can play sports.”
“Some girls are just meant for the softer things.”
“Do you have an eating disorder?”
“Most girls your age are dainty and tired. It’s normal.”
Thankfully, I was raised by a mama who taught me to have self confidence and grit. Plus, I was surrounded by amazing girlfriends whose strength and determination I admired. I knew these statements were not true of me. I knew I was more than my weaknesses, and that something out of my control was hindering my life.
I ignored my physicians claims that femininity is a life of weakness, and I pushed him to find the cause of my weakness. At age 20 I was finally diagnosed. I was told that if I did not have surgery as soon as possible, an incident as simple as a fender bender would kill me. I was told I would not make it to 30, and I would not survive child labor without the surgery. So, clearly, I accepted the open-heart surgery as soon as possible and did so in May 2017. Now, I am married, I have a son, and I’m turning 29 this year. I’ve never felt better!
I want my story to encourage women that firstly, they are welcome at FIT4MOM when they feel weak, and secondly, that your weakness is not a result of your womanhood. Women are so strong and resilient in nature. If you are feeling weak, come to class! Be encouraged and find strength in the community. If you’ve tried everything and still feel weak, see a physician who will listen to you. YOU are strong.
Active Steps for YOU!
Take care of your heart. Like Kennan, be your own advocate. Share your story.
Remember that taking care of your heart is a year-round commitment. Whether it's scheduling a checkup, making small changes to your diet, or incorporating more movement into your day (FIT4MOM classes), setting an example of daily movement for your kids, every step counts. This February, take a moment to assess your own heart health and encourage those around you to do the same. Like Kennan, be your own advocate.
Active Steps To Give Support Locally
Give support to those who are going through their own heart health journeys.
Mended Little Hearts of SA is the local branch of Mended Little Hearts, part of The Mended Hearts, Inc., focused on the unique need to provide hope and support to “the littlest heart patients of all” and their families. One way they do this is through Bravery Bags. As nearly 25% of all babies born with a congenital heart defect will need surgery, Bravery Bags are filled with toiletry items, comfort items, fun items, and educational resources. They provide families with some of the things they may need during a hospital stay, but more importantly, they let the family know they are not alone—that there are people out there who care about them and are there to support them.
As a FIT4MOM North San Antonio Community, let's give support to the families across our community who are going through the journey of heart surgery for their little ones through Mended Little Hearts of San Antonio's Bravery Bag program by purchasing items off their Amazon Wish List to fill the bags.
Another way to support Mended Little Hearts of San Antonio is through donation. You can Donate Here to give your support!
Together, we can raise awareness, support one another, and build a healthier future for our families and communities. Let's make heart health a priority, not just this month, but every day.
Celebrate Heart Month With Us!
Join us Friday, February 7, for Wear Red Day at Strides 360 to show support for National Heart Month. Go all out, mamas! How much red can you wear?
Stay after class to hear Kennan's story and more about how we can support those in our community through Mended Little Hearts of SA!
