Advocate Spotlight: Jamie Anderson

Meet Jamie Anderson, Corporate Events Director for the American Heart Association! 

What brought you to be an advocate for the American Heart Association?

I was honored to join the AHA South Dakota Team in August of 2017 as a Corporate Events Director for Eastern South Dakota.  As a child I watch my grandmother Gwen Andersen suffer through 8 strokes before she ultimately passed away.  With each stroke another piece of my grandmother was taken, it was hard for her children and grandchildren watch her slowly slip away with each stroke.  We watched our strong, independent, beloved mother of ten become more dependent and less recognizable as the years slowly passed. 
I was all too happy to sign on with the AHA SD Team to do my part to further the life saving mission of the American Heart Association – to work towards a goal where no one will have to watch a family member or loved one suffer from a heart attack or stroke; A world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. 

What issues or policies are you most passionate about and why?

Hands Only CPR In Schools.  Training 10,000 students a year to be able to act as a first responder for CPR is common sense.  Heart Disease is the #1 killer of ALL Americans – everyone needs to be prepared and learn how to save a life through Hands Only CPR. 

What is your favorite advocacy memory or experience so far and what made it great?

At our 2017 Go Red For Women Event, I was standing in the back of the room when we shared our CPR In Schools Initiative with our guests.  I was in aww at how many of our guests took out their phone during our “Call To Action” to text/email their Senators and Legislators in support of our proposed Bill during the current legislature. 

What is your favorite way to be active?

I like to switch up my physical activity throughout the year.  I play in a coed soccer league in Sioux Falls year round.  I have a kickboxing membership at 9 Rounds during the Fall/Winter/Spring.  I rollerblade/run 4-5 times a week in the Spring/Summer/Fall. 

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable and any tips for how you serve or prepare it?

I usually will have carrot stick and frozen banana slices on hand for quick snacks.