Every year my job, Anaheim Regional Hospital, sponsors a great cause for the American Heart Association. They put on a huge event at the Angels Stadium called the OC Heart and Stroke walk. With the option of running a 5k.
I work in the Emergency Room and register many, many patients with heart problems and stroke symptoms. I see how serious these issues can be, even life threatening. It is one thing to see patients in this state everyday but once heart issues affect your loved ones it brings a whole different feeling.
This year January 25, 2016, my mom was diagnosed with CHF. The doctor told her she needed a defibrillator put in as soon as possible because her case was life threatening.
When I learned of the OC heart run I knew I had to participate and get my family to join me. I have done many, many runs. Running is my thing, after all. But this run was close to my heart... for my mom's heart.
The run was a great experience. It was the first run my boyfriend had participated in with me. It is also the first run my parents have been to watch me.
Although it was a lot of fun to run around the Angels Stadium, we were disappointed that we did not get to run in the stadium.
Next year I look forward to participating and sponsoring this cause again, but I also look forward to doing the walk with my mom.