Hello, my name is Kavita Patel.  I am a member of the American Heart Association’s Young Professionals Committee because I am passionate about inspiring people to take care of their own health.  Please support me in my goal to raise $2,000 for the American Heart Association.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the world and it is largely preventable by making healthy lifestyle choices.   

Recently, my dad, who I would say is a relatively healthy, was found to have an abnormality in his heart. This came as a shock to us because he engages in light to moderate exercises every day. However, our Indian food is rich in butter and oil, and we also have a history of heart diseases in our family. Ultimately, my dad had to undergo a cardiac catheterization, in which a stent was placed in his blocked artery. The American Heart Association funds research that has led to many medical breakthroughs including the first artificial heart valve, implantable pacemakers, and drug-coated stents. 

My dad is now in India, enjoying his retirement and doing well. This ordeal opened up my eyes to the importance of making better food choices and the importance of annual visits and preventative screenings.

The American Heart Association is all about people. It is about helping the people in your life and the people in my life live healthier and have longer lives. Your donations will help the American Heart Association continue to educate our friends, family and community about the dangers of heart disease, develop treatment guidelines for physicians and fund scientific research that can save lives… lives like my dad’s.

Please donate today. Thank you.