It will be a long hot day. I will be sure to wear the most comfortable shoes I own.  I imagine it will be cold in the morning, as it has been for the past few days. Regardless of the morning chill, I am still going to put on my shorts and show off my ghostly legs.

  When I get to the Raymond James Stadium, I am going to be prepared.  The American Heart Association is hosting the annual heart walk.  They honor heart disease and stroke victims. According to the association, it is the nation’s number 1 killer disease. The sponsors are providing water throughout the event, but I will be sure to bring my Powerade.

  The American Heart Association takes pride in their impact on the nation through their life saving activities.  Some of these activities include improving patient care, reaching out to communities at risk, advocating for better health, raising awareness, educating Americans, and protecting the future of our youth. The goal of this event is  $2,200,000. Saturday, November 2, 2013 thousands of people will meet for the cause.

  On Saturday morning the festivities will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9:00 a.m.  The 3.2mile walk begins at the Raymond James Stadium at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607.  HCC has a few different groups that you can register with if you would like to help raise money.  Each person is eligible for a T-shirt after they raise $100.

  The association is also looking for volunteers and donations for the walk.  For more information visit their website tampabayheartwalk.kintera.org.

  The website has more than information on the fundraiser.  There is loads of valuable information about cardiovascular disease.  This includes symptoms, causes, and even a hopeful prevention guide.

  According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number 1 killer of Americans. Every 39 seconds a person dies.  Not only is cardiovascular disease the most common birth defect, it is also the number 1 cause of infant death.   This is a serious issue that affects people of all ages. The best prevention is getting educated, eating healthy, and staying active.  1,000 steps a day keeps the doctors away.

  I will be at the walk bright and early.  I will have my sunglasses, a snack, and a cold sports drink ready the night before.  With some of my closest friends and family by my side, we will fight this battle together. I hope to see you there.

For Indica

by Jessica Bartels

(This is for my youngest baby girl.)
Indica, I loved you before you met this world.
I remember you moving in my belly.
It was the most amazing feeling.
Although I was scared and felt confused,
I immediately had a connection to you.
It felt like an eternity,
before we could finally meet.
that morning, I could not rest,
with all the thoughts running through my head.

You were out in no time.
I held my breath until I heard you cry.
When your eyes looked at me,
they were innocent and sweet.
Two days later, the doctors took you to run test.
Mommy was a frantic mess.

I felt my world fall apart,
when he said there was a defect in your heart.
I played strong for months without a fear,
but every night, I shed a single tear.
The doctors said your heart had to be patched,
and the surgery would have to be fast.

I knew a six-month-old under a knife, could easily end your life.

Scared as I have ever been,
I knew surgery was your only chance to live.
On that day I knew that all I could do was pray.

Before I went to sleep,
I got down on my knees,
I prayed for a successful surgery,
and begged God to bring you back to me.

In the morning when I woke,
It was only to God that I spoke.
I said Lord, I know you do great things.
Please watch over my baby.
Before surgery mommy and daddy held you tight.
Reality took a hard bite.
I sat with my crucifix in my hand,
praying all my kids being healthy was in God’s plan.
The nurse returned hours later.

God is your savior.
A whole lot of stress
and a scar on your chest,
changed all of our lives forever
and helped your heart beat better.

I stayed by your side
The entire time.
I rubbed your head
in the hospital bed.
I am so grateful to have you
after all you have been through.
But after it didn’t take long,
to show us you’re strong.
A fighter she is,
and I am blessed for this.
Now you’re home and doing great.
It was all God’s fate.
I will always be your mother and friend.
I love you beyond this life’s end.