Go Red for Women Essay

Ok, I thought I would post my short essay that I wrote to try out for the spokesperson for Go Red for Women. Cincinnati didn't go tryouts this year via video. This is my 3rd year trying out. I sure would love to do this but haven't heard anything so I don't think I was chosen this year either. So, there's always next year! Anyway, here's my story I posted on the Go Red for Women website.

Hello, my name is Kimberly Bnkley. I've often heard the phrase, "knowledge is power." but I have to say I disagree with that statement. Acting on that knowledge is where the power comes. I am one woman but I can speak volumes for a cause that matters to my heart and has become my passion. I am a heart disease survivor. I have been "living" with heart disease now for 9years. I was 39 years old when I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. I had 5% heart function at that time. I was told I would not leave the hospital without a heart transplant but by the grace of God, I did. I have to say, I am here today because of prayer and I believe that firmly. You see, when I was 39, I did not know that heart disease was my greatest health risk. I didn't know the symptoms of heart disease and I didn't know that more women die of heart disease than any other cause. My diagnosis came as a huge shock to myself and to my family. I was in the best shape of my life when I was diagnosed. I exercised, I ate right, I was at my perfect weight.....very physically fit but a virus attacked my heart and did it's damage. Had I known the signs of heart disease, I would have insisted on testing on my heart much sooner. Over the last 8 years, I have had my ups and downs with this disease. A few years ago, I became ill with bronchitis twice within a very short period of time. This caused stress on my heart and once again doctors discussed placing me on the heart transplant list. My heart failure specialist wanted me exercising but at that time I was fearful to do this on my own. So, I had them refer me to a cardiac rehab program so I could regain the confidence I needed to get back into a regular exercise routine. I also got a new bi-ventricular pacemaker that now included a defibrillator. My doctor told me if I wanted to avoid the transplant list and live longer, I needed to be exercising so this is what I did! At this point, I had 20% heart function and doctors needed to see that increase to at least 35%. So, I was one woman on a mission and I am very determined once I set my mind to something. I started looking at my portion sizes and realized that even though I was eating heart healthy foods, I was eating more than proper portions. So, my first change was to cut the portion size down to what I should be eating and no more. Secondly, after my cardiac program was finished, my family and I joined the YMCA. Exercise is no longer a "maybe I'll get to it" thing, it's a "I'm not compromising my excercise time for anything" thing! My heart matters and what I do for it matters very much to me. I exercise every single day for at least 60 minutes. I am able to do much more now than I could in the beginning and I feel so much better for doing so. I have lost 40 pounds and I am at the healthy weight for my height. So, with those changes also came good changes in my heart health and my fitness level. My last echo now says my heart function is at the 35% that my doctors wanted to see! Now, I attribute this to prayer because I had people specifically praying for 35% heart function but I do know that eating right and exercise had a lot to do with my improvement. I now no longer need to be placed on the heart transplant list and I feel absolutely wonderful! I can hike, bike, do aerobics......you name it, I can do it! I now take the stairs instead of the elevator too! I am healthier now than ever and I have no restrictions! I tell everyone about heart disease. This is my passion. I speak from my heart to help other hearts avoid what I have gone thru. You see, I am one very determined woman and I know my life's mission is not accomplished yet! I do all I can to teach others healthy eating habits and about the benefits of regular exercise. I also make sure they know heart disease is the number 1 killer and what they can do to prevent it. I see my doctor regularly. I know my numbers and I encourage others to do the same. I have learned that knowledge isn't power. Acting on that knowledge is power. I am one voice, I am one woman, I am one heart disease survivor that chooses to live and to live well. There is no room for compromise when it comes to my heart and the passion I have for others. When it comes to loving your heart, today is the day to start. Tomorrow may be too late. Go Red for yourself today!

Megan Moss

Megan got her heart on Sunday! According to her blog, she is doing very well. Doctors are amazed. Please keep her recovery in prayer and pray there are no complications from the transplant. You can follow her story at http://www.megansheartstory.blogspot.com/

Pray

http://www.megansheartstory.blogspot.com/


Please pray for Megan Moss. She has the same heart condition that I have. I know miracles happen because I am one. Today, please pray for her miracle. She is awaiting transplant right now.