Every year, the community gathers at SUNY Broome to fight heart disease and stroke in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. This year’s walk will be on April 9; click here for details.
So, why do you walk? English instructor Alexis Katchuk shares her story:
Why do I walk? When I was only 23, I had a Sudden Cardiac Arrest and was “gone” for 53 seconds. It took nine years for a cardiologist specializing in elite athletes with arrhythmias to find out that I have a rare form of progressive genetic cardiomyopathy. Basically, my right ventricle is slowly dying, and there is no treatment. I had surgery for an implanted internal defibrillator placed, and I have had to make a lot of significant lifestyle changes, which included giving up any type of aerobic exercise. I had been known as an athlete since I was ten and was a two-time All American in Track and Field in college. I am only allowed one cup of caffeinated coffee a day, and now I can tell you which coffee brands actually make a truly decaffeinated blend.
I walk so that people are aware that heart disease does not come in one shape or size; it hits all demographics. We need funding for research so that younger generations won’t have to be told that there is no treatment for their illness. We need funding for research so that we can find and diagnoses these illnesses before tragedy happens.
Why do you walk? Send your stories to micalejr@sunybroome.edu. And don’t forget to sign up for or donate to the Heart Walk, and imagine a world without heart disease or stroke.
Sign up for the Heart Walk at our table from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 30 in the Student Center!
