Heart disease and stroke are two of the top five causes of death in the United States, with heart disease being number one. Recognizing that so many of our loved ones are affected by heart health, we are joining companies across the country in support of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) “Life is Why We Give™” campaign during American Heart Month.
Our team members and guests are our motivation to support the work that AHA does to save and improve lives. A few of our team members were moved to share their “why” to live a longer, healthier life in hopes that it will inspire others.
Team Member: Kris Pritchett
Store 664 in Walton, Kentucky
Kris’s 3-year-old grandson Matthew, also known as Matty, has already experienced heart failure, meaning his heart does not perform as well as it should. As a result, Matty endures obstacles on a daily basis. Even with his condition, he remains strong and fights his way through. He gives everyone around him hope and makes the issues we have in our lives seem so minimal.
“He is the most loving, trusting, strong, happy little man I know. Life has not given him the easy road, but he fights and conquers – giving hope to all those around him. Matty is my superhero and one of the loves of my life. He is why I give to the American Heart Association!”
Team Member: Chad Selby
Store 705 in Sayre, Oklahoma
Chad’s lost his mother Vickey to a heart condition in 2014. When Chad was six years old, his mom was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. At the time, the only treatments available for her type of cancer were radiation and a hysterectomy. Although the treatment let Vickey live cancer-free it had a lasting effect.
Years later after a routine checkup, it was determined that due to the cancer treatments received, the walls of her heart were paper thin, causing her heart to struggle getting blood pumped throughout her body. Frequently, Vickey’s heartbeat would stay in abnormal sinus rhythm, resulting in Cardioversion procedure, meaning an electrical shock was sent to the heart. A pacemaker was installed to stabilize her heartbeat.
Vickey dedicated her life to her family and had a strong work ethic. For many years Chad called his mom every day on his way home from work to check on her. After a full week of Vickey saying she was taking it easy, Chad became concerned because of the energy she always attached to in life. Chad decided to drive to see her and she was hospitalized during his drive. A doctor informed him that his mother’s blood pressure could not be stabilized and she passed away that night.
To this day when Chad leaves work, he looks at his phone and thinks about calling his mom. That is a reminder to him to spend each day serving her memory by being the best husband and father that he can be.
“Heart disease took one of the strongest women I have ever know away from me. Since my mom’s passing, medicine has advanced. Her pacemaker gave her many more happy years with us, and advances in medication help curb the debilitating aspects of heart disease. With the research happening now with things like stem cell treatment, and personalized medicine, it is my hope that the work and research of The American Heart Association helps provide many more years for patients facing heart disease, patients like my mom.”
Team Member: Lisa Shaw
Store 731 in Spiceland, Indiana
In December 2014, Lisa experienced severe indigestion while traveling home from visiting family and was unable to sleep due to extreme chest pains. She called 911 and although several tests showed that everything appeared normal, her pain increased. She knew she was experiencing a heart attack, despite the test results. After speaking with a different nurse, Lisa’s condition was reassessed and she was immediately given a blood test that proved she was in fact having a heart attack. She was rushed into surgery and later diagnosed with Bradycardia, a condition that causes the heart to beat at a slower rate than usual.
“My advice to anyone who is having chest pains is to be insistent. If you experience chest pains, have it checked out, because if I hadn’t been, then I would have died that night”.
Team Member: Crystal Bolton
Store 174 in New Albany, Mississippi
Crystal’s son Jamario, was born with Congenital Heart Disease, Complex Heart Deformity, Ventricular Septal Defect, Arrhythmias, and Premature Ventricular Contractions. Doctors believed his lifespan would be short. Crystal’s family journey has been long, as Jamario has lived in and out of hospitals and been seen by more than 15 cardiologists across the country.
Currently 16 years old, he has undergone 9 heart surgeries. He hasn’t experienced childhood as most young boys do, having to avoid activities that required heavy physical activities.
Extensive testing and studies have been conducted to better understand the complexity of Jamario’s heart. He has had numerous procedures and now Jamario continues to go in for yearly checkups.
“Jamario’s heart is so rare and complex that even the best of the cardiologists stay puzzled. Although he has not experienced a normal childhood, he has always stayed strong no matter his condition and remained a fighter.”
Team Member: Amanda Jenkins
Store 686 in Gretna, Nebraska
Amanda’s youngest son had a stroke while in utero, causing pockets of fluid to leak into his brain. He was diagnosed with Congenital Porencephaly, a rare development to the nervous system, which has caused difficulties with walking, talking and using his left arm and hand. Due to the original injury, he has also been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy of the left side.
Currently five years old, he is going to school and getting stronger every day. Though he is intellectually behind his peers and faces daily challenges, he’s persevered past what most doctors have projected. Today, Cerebral Palsy can be managed, but not cured.
“Although there was no way to prevent it, or even diagnose it, it just shows that people of all ages can fall victim to a stroke, even before they are born.”
Join us and the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease. To learn more about how you can contribute to a healthier tomorrow, visit www.pilotflyingj.com/life-is-why.
