I love my life, I really do. I am so blessed for my wonderful family, my faith and even my job. Yes, I said it, my job! I work for the American Heart and Stroke Association so everyday I not only share my story but get to listen to so many others. This is my purpose, this is my mission.

I met the most amazing gentleman last week name Morris Gavinson. Wow, what an inspiration. I met him in cardiac rehab and we chatted over coffee as I was once again reminded that everyone is a book. You just need to listen...

He asked me an interesting question. He asked, "Do you ever feel sorry for yourself?". I said I may have moments but we all do but we also have choices. So for my son, my husband and my faith I choose to live. That includes meeting incredible people like Morris.

Please join me in my journey:

Greater Washington Region's Heart Walk!

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=456092

Thank you to our sponsors and walkers for helping us to get to $782K so far! We can get to 2 Million with your help! Walk is Nov 5th!!!!

Until next time...listen to your heart!

Log on to: http://www.heart.org/ to find out how you can help in your community!

PS~ I love the teaching gardens!

I am a survivor, you and your loved one's can be too...learn more...

The American Heart Association hosts DC Stroke Awareness Day to Combat the Leading Cause of Disability for Americans




Stroke can happen to anyone, at any time and at any age. Learn to recognize a stroke, because in a stroke emergency, time lost is brain lost. For every minute you don’t get help, more brain cells die. Therefore education the Greater Washington community on stroke risk factors, warning signs and prevention is of critical importance.



What: DC Stroke Awareness Day. Members of the DC Stroke Collaborative have agreed to support the DC Stroke Awareness day by providing education to raise awareness of stroke risk factors and warnings signs as well as to learn more about comprehensive cardiovascular wellness. There will be giveaways, health materials and this year, we have combined with the Wellness Works Farmer’s Market so fresh produce grown regionally will be offered for sale. The American Heart Association will have a prize wheel with a variety of giveaways including certificates to the Farmers Market. Tentative health stations include:



Booths: Display:

George Washington Hospital BMI/Weight

Georgetown University Hospital Warning signs

Howard University Hospital BP Screening

Providence Hospital Diabetes/Nutrition

Sibley Hospital Life’s Simple 7

United Medical Center Nutrition

Washington Hospital Center BP Screening



When: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 from 10:00am – 2:00 pm



Where: 1900 E Street NW, Washington, DC – outside of the Office of Personnel Management and combined with the Wellness Works Farmer’s Market



Who: The general public, American Heart Association volunteers and the DC Stroke Collaborative



Why: The American Heart Association, in collaboration with the DC Stroke Collaborative, is throwing a free event in order to raise awareness about stroke warning signs and prevention. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability for all Americans. African Americans are at an increased risk due to high rates of factors such as family history, diabetes and high blood pressure. Therefore stroke education is a necessity.



The American Heart Association has also found that nearly four in 10 American adults believe they have ideal heart health, when actually less than 1 percent does. Managing high blood pressure is one of the seven simple ways the American Heart Association has identified to get healthier and reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke. The Association will be on hand to discuss the online My Life Check assessment at mylifecheck.org.

I have to tell you, as an over 10 year volunteer for AHA, I knew the staff of the American Heart Association was committed to the mission and worked hard. As I am a staff member, I really have seen the true heart that goes in to our events, advocacy and fundraising.

Yesterday we held the 21st annual American Heart Associations "Lawyers Have Heart" event at the Harbor in Georgetown. I set my alarm for 1:30 am and arrived in Georgetown at 3:30AM for event set up. Everyone was in great spirits and that alone I was impressed with considering the time of night and there were people in Georgetown who were still out from the evening prior. Bars in DC close at 4am. I parked and started to walk to the harbor to find my self somewhat lost but after the guidance of my great VP , Patty MacEwan , I arrived. Set up ended around 6:30am and I went to my next duty station which was the water station on the fun walk. Yvette Mingo, VP Baltimore for AHA was my partner and we had a great time. She is an amazing lady and her heart just shines.

Our weather has been extreme lately so hydration is key and I have to tell you, not many people turned us down. It's really important to stay hydrated in extreme heat. ITS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART and vital for your health!!!!

The run/walk was shortened to a 5K due to the heat and the event was a success. Over 8000 walk/runners participated and we were able to raise over $650K to go to funding research and advocacy, which is a vital part of our mission and organization.

Thank you also to the Miss Preteen, Teen and Miss and little Miss DC International for walking for the cause. I am so proud and blessed to be a part of the International family.

Today and everyday~Listen to your heart!

A little bit more about the event:


Lawyers Have Heart


Since its creation in 1991, Lawyers Have Heart has raised more than $7.5 million to benefit the American Heart Association, whose mission is building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. By participating in the Washington area's largest 10K event, you will not only help to strengthen your own heart through exercise, you will also help raise funds vital to the education programs and research of the AHA. Learn More...
Saving Lives


Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers, claim more than 910,000 American lives a year. The association invested more than $474 million in fiscal year 2005-06 for research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.

Your Contribution At Work


For every $1 raised through Lawyers Have Heart, .88 cents is used to fund our mission. The American Heart Association is the largest source of non-governmental funding for cardiovascular research in the country.

There is no doubt that I love my job and my mission. My life has been so impacted by Cardiovascular Disease that to me, its just part of my life and my story. As serious of a subject that Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke are, some days...it can make you smile:)

Deanna Linz, Mrs Northeast International 2011, walks the walk as HEARTWOMEN!

Yep, that's right. I was our mascot. The American Heart Associations "HEARTMAN" or in this case women, attended a START! Walking Now kick off!

 http://www.startwalkingnow.org/mystart_tracker.jsp

I encourage you to check it out and get up and get moving! Celebrate Accomplishments!


As time goes on, you'll see your activity time and distances go up. You’ll outgrow your Walking Plan and gain confidence as you tackle a new one. View how you're doing by week, month, any time period you choose.



Register and start using the Tracker and MyStart! Walking Plans today. If your company wants to use the Tracker for a worksite wellness program, please have your HR department or worksite wellness coordinator set up your company account first. This is a separate registration.



Walking program developed by American Council on Exercise (ACE) in collaboration with the AHA.


Listen to your heart~Deanna