Living Rural

Yes, February is National Heart Health Month. I am a member of the Advocacy for the Cure campaign. AHA has made tremendous strides in making the public aware of heart disease and stroke. Our area, the Pee Dee and surrounding counties in South Carolina, have one of the highest death rates due to heart disease and stroke in the nation, yes, in the NATION. This is the reason I have chosen the AHA as my focus this year for volunteerism. “You’re the Cure” as one campaign is known has been instrumental in a letter writing campaign to all legislators, keeping them aware of bills in our legislature concerning these diseases. It has been very successful. We have met with the legislators in our state for breakfast, sharing and getting to know one another.

Now, the AHA is looking for actual stories of how heart disease and/or stroke has impacted lives. I received this letter asking for my help or the help of people in my circle.

Share Your Story of Heart

Dear Pamela:

Our advocacy efforts can make a greater impact with legislators when the message comes from the heart – from people whose lives and families have been touched by heart disease or stroke, or have a personal stake in this fight to save lives. Are you one of these people?

Please share your story with us. Submit your personal account of how heart disease or stroke has affected your life or that of a loved one.

We have been working nonstop during American Heart Month to raise awareness about what can be done to beat heart disease and stroke – and your story is a powerful tool in this fight.

Why do you advocate for the cure? Did you or a loved one survive heart disease or stroke? Are you concerned about the toll cardiovascular disease is taking on our country and the affect it will have on the next generation? We could use your story as part of a future campaign to help fight cardiovascular disease – the No. 1 killer in the U.S.!

There are people just like you, living right in your community, who have already shared their story. Won’t you do the same?

It’s these kinds of personal accounts that really hit home and bring the facts to life for your lawmakers. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help encourage more people to get involved in the fight against cardiovascular disease – so please, share your story with us!

Thanks for your support this American Heart Month … and for all you’ve done to help the American Heart Association save lives.

Sincerely,

Clarissa Garcia
American Heart Association

P.S.- Do you know someone with a great story to share as well? Forward this message on!

Heart Disease and Stroke. You’re the Cure.

Sign our “ballot”, simply a contract with yourself to do what YOU can for yourself and your loved ones, you ARE THE CURE!

Healthy Heart!

“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”