Danielle A. Cohen, Esq., Coral Gables

Our 2017-18 Florida Advocacy Committee is composed of individuals from across the state with different occupations, who have a great interest in advocating for policy change for heart-health issues.  Throughout the year, we will introduce some of our members.  Today, we'd like you to meet Danielle Cohen, Esq. of Coral Gables.  

Occupation: Civil Trial Attorney; Owner of Cohen Law

Just because you’re alive does not mean that you’re living!  My motivation to live a healthier and overall happier life unfortunately, stems from being personally exposed to loss of life of loved ones at an early age.  These sort of experiences change who you are as an adult because you are gifted with the life lesson, should you choose to accept it, that life is very short and therefore should never ever be taken for granted.  Four and a half year ago, I was blessed with the birth of my son who ignited and inspired my motivation to live a happier and healthier life more than ever before.  Growing very old and remaining healthy is the number one priority because of him; I don’t want to miss a thing!

I choose to volunteer at the American Heart Association because my mother had heart surgery two years ago.  She is an otherwise active fit woman however due to her heart condition, I watched her entire spirit change when she was no longer able to perform the exercises she enjoyed and as a result gained weight.  After having her heart surgery, she was able to exercise again and she lost 35 pounds.  All thanks to the procedure my mother had done on her heart by Dr. Hadad at South Miami Hospital, my mother is not only alive, she is living!

I’ve been volunteering for AHA for my second year now as a member of the South Florida Board of Directors.

My interest in advocating for policies that help create healthier communities and protect heart disease and stroke patients is intense.  Heart health education is not readily accessible to most.  This is a problem as our communities cannot wait until there is a serious problem, i.e. a stroke, in order to become informed and take action.  This is where heart health policies come in. With education comes better decision making and with better decision making comes better overall heart health.  I want to be a part of that movement.  I want to be a part of that change.  Now more so than ever before because our food is being created and prepared with a focus on profits rather than people.

I do not have spare time and therefore have zero hobbies.  This is not an exaggeration.  I bought a guitar with the intent to take lessons and learn but rather it still sits as an ornament in my home.  In all seriousness, if I am not working in the office, I am working at my home.  I love home improvement and decorating.  When I am not working on my home or at the office, I am always with my beautiful son and my amazing husband.  Despite the busyness of my practice, time is always made and prioritized for my family.

Let’s play a quick round of “would you rather.” Would you rather –

• Hike or bike? BIKE!
• Go climbing or zip lining?  CLIMBING! Never zip lining.
• Go canoeing or waterskiing?  CANOEING!
• Swim in a pool or the ocean?  POOL! The one in my backyard preferably.
• Watch sports or play sports?  WATCH (for 3 mins. and then go do something I enjoy)

My favorite activity in PE was track. Anything that had me running was my favorite. I was fast! Pretty sure I'm not fast anymore but as a kid, I tried to run soooo fast that I believed I could fly!

My perfect day is waking up early before the sun comes up in the winter in South Florida.  Taking my little one to school, on time, and getting to the office where all my files are organized, all deadlines are met and I have a chance to think about firm strategy and plan growth for the future.  The perfect day has yet to take place but I’m working on it!