“As today is all about volunteers, I would like to share with you how volunteering with the Heart & Stroke Foundation has changed my life.

In July 2007, I suffered a major heart attack and underwent triple bypass surgery. During my recovery, I found it very difficult to connect with other women who had suffered a similar incident. I spent many hours on the Internet researching women and heart attacks. Then one day, about one-and-a-half years ago, I called the local Heart & Stroke office in Nanaimo, and that is really when my healing began, and my life changed. It was at that point, that I learned about ‘The Heart Truth’, a new campaign to raise awareness about the risk of heart disease and stroke for women, and empower women to take action to protect their heart health.

I decided that this was something that I wanted and needed to be involved in. I began to do Heart Truth presentations for women. I started off with presenting to 10 of my co-workers as I knew they would be supportive. I received such positive feedback that I knew that this was only the beginning for me. Since that time, I have spoken to over 150 women and the feedback I have received has confirmed for me that women need and want to have empowerment over their own health.

In 2008, I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend the volunteer conference in Vancouver where I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible spirit and energy of the volunteers. I met the most amazing people who have had a profound impact on my life.

In December 2008, the local Heart & Stroke office asked me if I would be interested in organizing a fundraising event for the Heart Truth. As this is near and dear to me, I, of course, said, ‘Yes!’ I quickly organized a committee of co-workers who all had expertise in different areas and together the seven of us created an amazing event called, Paint the Town Red for Heart Truth, which was held in May, 2009. I remembered Bobbe Wood’s, who was the President and CEO, Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC, words to me from when we had met at the Vancouver conference, that if I ever wanted her to come and speak all I had to do was ask. I am happy to say that I asked, and she came! Having Bobbe there with her family and speaking was truly one of the highlights for me. We raised a total of just over $1,600.00! Words could not express how truly gratifying it was to see this come to fruition. This was truly one of the most profound moments in my life!

In April 2009, I was asked by the local Heart & Stroke office to speak at the Becel Love Your Heart concert that featured Diana Krall, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Deborah Cox, and was being simulcast in theaters across Canada. This was truly an amazing concert and perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to be involved in.

In May 2009, I received a call from a woman by the name of Mary Frymire who was producing and directing a one-hour documentary entitled, The Beat of Life. Mary had contacted the Heart & Stroke provincial office to inquire about women who would perhaps be interested in being a part of the documentary and telling their story. My name was put forward. This was truly one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life! On June 9, 2009, the film crew of seven arrived at my home at 9:00 am and spent the entire day interviewing myself and my daughter, Stephanie. On September 26, 2009, the documentary was aired nationally on Global Television.

I am so honored to have been a part of this truly inspirational documentary and can honestly tell you that this would not have been possible without the incredible support of the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Being a part of the Foundation has truly helped me in ways that I could never have imagined. I have had the opportunity to meet so many new and inspirational people who have helped me grow as a person. I know that there is still a lot more work to be done and I am committed to doing whatever I can to support the Foundation.

In conclusion, I would just like to say that volunteering has brought me feelings of joy and gratitude knowing that I am playing a role in helping others.

Thank you all.”