Life is Why

Meet Gerry Yumul - AHA Advocate and Survivor

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

It was February 14, 2014, Heart Day, at my new job working for Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation — a non-profit cardiovascular research organization — when I experienced heart disease symptoms.  Luckily I didn’t ignore the signs that could have potentially led to a disastrous cardiac event.  I was at the right place at the right time, and I know people who are not. That is why I am so grateful for the serendipitous life event that put me in the right place at the right time, and I now take advantage of every opportunity to advocate for the American Heart Association.

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

The issues that I am most passionate about are cardiovascular research and education, and policies that promote heart healthy lifestyle. I have seen and met grateful heart patients whose quality of life has been vastly improved by a change in diet and lifestyle.  Living a heart-healthy lifestyle sustains the amazing recoveries of these people, with cardiovascular research giving us the knowledge for advancement in the treatment, management, and prevention of heart disease.

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

My favorite advocacy moment so far is the Advocacy Summit at my local AHA where I met and heard the stories of some of the most inspiring heart disease survivors. I also appreciated the moment when I spoke to our local representative and was able to share how cardiac rehab has tremendously helped me in my recovery from open heart surgery.

What is your favorite way to be active?

My favorite way to be active is jump-roping on indoors and running outdoors.

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?

Mangoes especially the one from the Philippines