Feels Like Home: Finding a Place to Advocate and Serve through the Local AHA

Last night I had the chance to visit the American Heart Association office serving Los Angeles County. It was an artsy Dowtown office with exposed brick walls, open space and red dresses designed and donated by FIDM students. I was already in love. I was among the first guests to arrive, so I had a chance to chat with two people before others arrived. It was easy and laid back. Turns out, one of the fellows I was chatting with sits on the AHA Board. He was careful to remember everyone’s name and offered amazing insight into the organization and how it’s benefited him. Specifically, he loved connecting with people like those gathered last night: cardiovascular disease/defect survivors and their supporters.

Our intimate group of 12 spent the evening sharing survival stories and connecting in a way that made me feel like I was home. It was inspiring to hear the experiences of every survivor, including that of our youngest guest: a 2 ½ year old who’d already undergone two open heart surgeries. Her parents had several of us tearing up. We spent the rest of our time learning more about the AHA, how it allocates its funds, and how it advocates for heart disease/defect patients locally and nationally. It was the first time I got a firm understanding of all the ways I could volunteer to support a cause directly benefiting my family, my friends, my community and me. Plus, as the Board member aptly stated, I’ll meet more amazing folks like those who shared their experiences last night.

I sought out the AHA last year to learn how I could get involved. My first event was the Los Angeles Heart Walk. This year, I encouraged my office-mates to Go Red for Women for National Wear Red Day. But the organization also sends volunteers and staff to lobby in their state capital and D.C. You can also stuff bags for events or just wear one of the many AHA pins to help raise awareness or prompt someone to ask about your survival story.

If you're a survivor or supporter, check out your local AHA, you’ll find that they want and need your story as they strive to win the fight against America’s #1 killer: heart disease, and #3 killer: stroke.