While at work, I felt a rush in the back of my neck/head like a fizzy drink with the start of total confusion. I went back to my desk and tried to work but was too disoriented. After several minutes, I stumbled to my manager’s office. At that time, I sat down and tried to say, “something is wrong.” That’s the moment, I realized my speech was unrecognizable.

Just as I was beginning to become overly stir crazy from the "stay at home" order and my high risk condition, a request was presented to share my story regarding my support of the American Heart Association and my efforts to make a difference as a survivor.

My advocacy journey with the American Heart Association began five years ago. At the age of sixteen, I joined the AHA Grassroots Action Team in Arkansas knowing I wanted to advocate for heart health in my state and for my family. As an avid runner, both on the Ouachita Baptist University Cross Country team and in half marathons with my dad, I’m constantly working to improve my own heart health through physical fitness but knew becoming an advocate with the AHA was a way to make a difference through the public policy process.

The experience of sending our first child off to college in the fall of 2019 was a life changing experience… but not in the way I ever expected.

Occasionally I’m asked about my passion for AHA. Why I volunteer, why I believe in the organization and why I travel, speak, walk, jump rope, sponsor and participate. In a society that constantly questions what’s in it for me, I’m happy to share. First and foremost, what’s in it for me is you. Every year I get the privilege and honor of speaking with people young and old about heart disease and the opportunity to tell them my story.

Nine months ago, Traci Gunter of Gadsden miraculously survived a heart attack while driving to work. She was 23.

Ben Ellis is an advocate from Pittsburgh, PA who has dedicated his life to addressing emergency health and ensuring that everyone has a chance for a longer, healthier life. We talked to Ben about why advocacy with American Heart Association was so important to him.

There is a long history of heart disease in my family. My grandfather died at a very early age, my father had a quadruple bypass in his 50s, and my younger, healthier brother had a heart attack at 40. I was immune only by luck.

I had a routine test 14 years ago and was diagnosed with two arteries that were 90% blocked, even though I was a lifelong runner and had no symptoms.  Fourteen years later, with 4 stents, a daily statin drug, continued exercise and a healthy diet, I'm still running and healthy.   

At age 39, I weighed 240 pounds. I was fighting obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. My doctor said if I wanted to live into my forties, I needed to do something about my health. With a leap of faith, my journey began.