Sherry’s heartfelt journey with the American Heart Association

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Walking the Path of Purpose

For Sherry, participating in the American Heart Association Heart Walk is more than just a charitable event; it’s a deeply personal mission. Sherry’s journey began back in 2001, a month after she celebrated her birthday when she lost her mother to congestive heart failure. Her mother had struggled with severe coronary atherosclerosis and had also suffered a stroke while battling several other chronic diseases. Despite these challenges, Sherry’s mother was a beacon of light in her community, always giving back—especially to her church. She served as the official “church mother” helping women learn cooking skills and other essential life lessons.

Honoring Her Mother

Sherry has always admired her mother’s spirit of giving and wanted to carry on that legacy. This desire led her to the American Heart Association, where she found a way to honor her mother’s memory while supporting vital research and education around heart health. Sherry’s connection with the Heart Association grew stronger as she learned that both her brother and father also faced heart disease. In 2018, she became a Heart Walk Champion, dedicating herself to fundraising and raising awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention.

Sherry’s mother named Daisy (pictured), embodied love and support, which inspired her to name her Heart Walk team “Daisy’s Heart” in honor of her mother.

Sherry’s Heart Walk team often included her daughters, best friends, and church family members—people who understand why this cause is so close to her heart. “I would like to honor my mother, brother, and dad and continue to give back to the cause that can really make a difference in people’s lives,” Sherry says passionately.

Understanding the gravity of heart disease, Sherry takes her health seriously. She is committed to leading a healthy lifestyle to avoid the same fate as her family members. In 2024, she served as the Champion Team Captain for the Central New York Heart Walk.

Congestive heart failure affects millions of people each year. According to the American Heart Association, about 6.2 million adults in the United States have heart failure. There are steps individuals can take to combat heart disease, including maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

Sherry’s story is a reminder of the importance of community, family, and health. By participating in the Heart Walk, she hopes to inspire others to take their heart health seriously and support the American Heart Association’s mission.