Most people have a “fear” of getting old, especially when they get to those “milestone” birthdays. Not me! I was even more excited about turning 30 because this would be my golden birthday.

    A few months after my 30th birthday when my little girl, Annie, turned two, I decided it was time for me to have my heart check-up. I have a family history of heart disease, so I knew this visit was important.

    I made an appointment with the doctor, who had a very clear picture of my family history of heart disease. I got checked in, weighed, blood pressure checked, and all seemed just fine. However, since my mom had a hole in her heart, my doctor decided to do the same check on my heart. When it was done, my doctor sat me down and said, “You have a heart condition. Only 10% of your heart is functioning.” How could this be?

    After the shock settled in, I told myself that I had to pick myself back up and move forward. I wasn^'t the first woman to be diagnosed with heart disease, and sadly I wouldn't be the last.

    Just 10 years ago, my diagnosis would be almost immediately fatal. Yet, because of the advances in technology and medicine and the contribution of the American Heart Association, I now have a chance to pick out Annie's wedding dress with her one day.

    One day, I will be the recipient of a new heart because of the research done by the American Heart Association. I will be able to run, jump, swim ... The face of heart disease can be deceiving; don't let this silent killer deceive you.