(Father Heart, watercolor on paper)
I’m doing something to make a difference on February 27th…
I’m joining my brother, sister, and my kids on team to fight heart disease and stroke by participating in the
American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk!
Me walk a marathon?
I’m a plus-sized chica who spends way too much sitting – either at the computer writing, or at the art table tinkering. My dad used to love to do these things too, but he was also very active. He used to build ten-speed bikes from scratch and then take them on long rides around the city. Growing up, every Saturday he would BBQ a big dinner and then make the whole family walk around the block to burn the calories.
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I know the fundraiser is about preventing heart disease, but to me it goes much deeper. It’s about WALKING in honor of my dad.
My dad had his leg amputated eight months before he passed away. I was there when the doctor came in to tell him the bad news. I’ve never seen my dad’s face look more heartbroken.
He made it through the surgery and rehab, and stayed positive.
Once the wound healed, he embraced the artificial leg, got up and walked every day. He was in so much pain, but it was his pride that gave him the power to stand up tall and carry on.
He would even joke around and show it off to everyone!
He was all about making the most of every day.
I want to feel that burn. It’s hard to explain, but I want to do it for him
and push through the pain.
So even though I’m going to be out of breath and probably want to give up after the first 15 minutes, I’m going to give it my all and FINISH THE WALK!
And when I’m done, I’m going to kiss his picture!
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Here is the official spiel:
Unfortunately, too many of us have a loved one affected by heart disease or stroke. To help stop this, I will be walking in this year’s Start! Heart Walk benefiting the American Heart Association. I have set a personal goal to raise funds that are needed for
critical heart disease and stroke research and education.
I’m doing this in honor of my dad and my nana, who both suffered from heart disease
(both had triple bypasses), and have since passed away.
I’ve never done anything like this before
and am very excited to not only get outside and WALK,
but to do it for such a wonderful cause!
You can help me raise funds and protect those you love by making a donation online. Click on the link below to visit my personal donation page where you can make a secure online credit card donation.
The American Heart Association’s online fundraising website
has a minimum donation amount of $25.00.
~* PLEASE SPONSOR ME! *~
Follow This Link to visit my personal AHA fundraising web page and help me in my efforts to support American Heart Association – Phoenix, AZ – PMA
It’s OK if you can’t donate anything, that is totally fine!
Just send good vibes my way on February 27th!
No matter what way you contribute, you will make a difference in the fight against our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers-heart disease and stroke. Thank you for your support!!!
Happy birthday Dad, I love you and miss you so much. I hope you are resting in peace and feeling all the love we are sending your way! Thank you for watching over us, we feel your love all the way down here! xoxoxoxox!
Oh Kathy, what a wonderful way to honor your Dad. I just lost my mother last month. I was able to be there in her last days though we did not live in the same city. She is in my heart.
Good vibes to you on February 27th and every day.
That was a beautiful letter than you wrote and I donated on your behalf.
Thank you for the pleasure of hearing about a wonderful relationship and memory.
thank you so much, i appreciate it from the bottom of my heart! and feet!!
xoxox!!!
I walked in honor of my 1 year old neice who was born with four holes in her heart and in congestive heart failure. I too was born with some major defect in my heart as well. But I walked for her. She’s blessed our lives and i hope that she will continue to bless us for years to come.
Happy Birthday Pappa De Kathy, y gracias por tener una hija que nos triar tanto felizidad con su arte! Kathy you are the best daughter to do this in honor of your pappa, this makes you an even better artist, for all your soul is going to your art. LOL, Angelica
Love it, Kathy! I’ll be participating in cancer fundraisers in honor of my mom… I feel ya sister!
🙂
I love this idea! I always love your blog because you really share your heart through your writing and your art. I too lost my father too early – to a drunk driver – and hope to honor him with each of my living days. Good luck and God bless!