02/07/2026
Thank you for showing up for a cause that is deeply personal and divinely assigned to me. This is God’s work, and even if I had to walk this mission alone, I would still go—because lives depend on it.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men.
One in three women will lose their lives to heart disease, and far too many men are impacted as well. That is not acceptable, and it is my mission to change that reality in our community.
I want to thank my advisor Minister Gloria Johnson, and Minister Linda Perdue, standing in loving memory of her son, DeMario. Thank you, Karen, for your courage as you honor the loss of your loved one to heart disease.
This mission is personal. I have lost too many to this disease—
my Aunt Willie M. Bailey, Annie Mae Smith, Edna Lewis,
my cousin Johnnie Jones, my adopted mom Carrie Taylor, and Shirley Jones.
These are not just names.
These are lives.
These are families forever changed.
To my mom and dad—thank you for braving the wind and cool weather to stand with me in purpose. Your support means more than words can express.
Now more than ever, we must know our numbers, move our bodies, manage stress, and take prevention seriously. Waiting is costing lives.
Throughout this month, stay locked in. Activities and challenges are coming to help our community take action and protect our hearts.
If you’ve lost a loved one to heart disease, comment their name below.
We honor them. We remember them. And we fight for change in their name
