Kimberly Goodloe, Atlanta

I am a survivor. I am a strong advocate for fighting heart disease. I am a proud committee member of the 2017-18 Georgia Advocacy Committee. In my free time, I thoroughly enjoy attending as many events as I can to share my story, as well as, heart healthy awareness and education.

How long have you been a volunteer with the American Heart Association and in what capacity? I have been volunteering since May 2010. Over the course of six years, I have joined the Go Red For Women Passion Committee, chaired the Georgia Advocacy Committee, and served as a Community Champion on the Heart Walk Committee. Nationally, I have been selected to be an ambassador for the organization's Heart Valve Disease Program. 

Who or what inspires you to help and volunteer your time to the work of the American Heart Association? I love to encourage heart and stroke patients and their caregivers by sharing my story of survival from three  surgeries because so many people are suffering in silence.

What heart healthy issue is most important to you and why? Staying active - it’s good for my heart! 

What are two ways you keep yourself healthy? Choosing to eat healthy food and exercising

How is your community healthy that makes you proud? Smoke free air, beautiful community parks, many sidewalks, and bike lanes

How do you stay updated on current public policies in your state? By responding to You're the Cure alerts and reading valuable information posted on the You’re the and American Heart Association websites. 

If you could help advocate for one change in your state, what would it be and why? I'd advocate for the uninsured because so many people are in need of affordable healthcare in our state.

Do you have a favorite American Heart Association/American Stroke Association event you annually attend?  What is your motivation to participate?  I love attending the annual Go Red For Women Luncheon, Go Red Lobby Day at the Georgia State Capitol and Metro Atlanta Heart Walk. During Lobby Day, I am given the opportunity to share my journey and health care topics with state lawmakers. At the luncheon, I enjoy the great food, fun and fellowship with other volunteers, survivors and staff. I enjoy the Heart Walk because I love raising funds to support medical research and walk in honor of every family affected by heart disease and stroke.

Have you attended a state or federal lobby day on behalf of the AHA?  If so, please briefly explain your experience. Yes! I traveled to Washington D.C. in April 2013. I attended the Rally for Medical Research and American Heart Association You’re the Cure Lobby Day. It was such a pleasure to attend both events and meet with various federal lawmakers. Sharing my heart journey and using my voice to advocate for the uninsured patients throughout the state of Georgia brings me great satisfaction.

What have you learned in your time being a You’re the Cure advocate? It’s important as an heart disease survivor to use my voice and gift of service to help empower the community.

Why would you tell a friend or family member to join You’re the Cure? To learn more about public policy and encourage them to become educated in all the wonderful things the American Heart Association is involved in for healthy changes in Georgia and across the nation.

Tell us one unique thing about yourself. Despite my daily health obstacles, I keep moving forward helping the community live a happier, healthier, lifestyle.