- They are being broken by a she devil or satin's spawn
- They are racing when we workout or more often are stressed
- And sadly but most importantly when someone we love is affected by a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases
The truth is hearts...mine, yours, your dad's, etc. should be on our daily thoughts. Basically you are your heart because without your heart there is no you!
Did you know heart disease is the No. 1 killer of all Americans? Yet we never blink one eye at this disease until it affects us and I am guilty as charged. Until it affected me, I didn't think it ever would. Hopefully my story below helps you take take action before the fact, not after like me!
Jon Daeschner a Father & a Friend!
Many times in life you come across people that change your life forever. Sadly you never realize how they changed your life until they are gone. Jon Daeschner, my Stepfather, was one of those amazing people. He had such a joy for life, and if you were around him, you couldn't help but want to live as he did with laughter & positivity. He lived as though "Is the world going to end because of this? If not, then lets have a drink :) and accept that it is what it is". Jon lived for his family and friends. He made sure everyone was having a great time with a smile on their face and drink in their hand! What a beautiful way to live your life...for YOU and the ones you love! If we could all be so lucky...wait we can!
In October of 2009, my husband and I were headed to my nephew's birthday party in Topeka and had just left Kansas City. I received a call from my brother telling me that Jon had had a heart attack and he was on his way to the hospital. (Just writing this gives me a sicking feeling and I feel the tears behind my eyes) Without knowing much we headed to Topeka. I have to admit to you that I have never prayed so much in my entire life. Over and over the same prayer with no answer from God but with the hope that he was listening. When we got to the hospital, I saw my brother's head shaking back and forth and I just starting saying "It can't be real, it can't be real...". This might have been the most surreal moment of my whole life. Without warning Jon was gone, our lives were forever changed, and the world became a little of a darker place.
Everyday we now live without Jon physically in our lives, but he is ALWAYS in our hearts! And when you see my family enjoying life, you know it is because Jon's spirit lives on inside us.
As sad as it is to relieve that tragedy in our lives, I told this story for a reason. What is that reason? To hopefully help save someone's else's life! Is there really any other reason? My hope is that my family's story can inspire someone to...
- Get a full physical including ECGs, Stress tests, etc.
- Workout regularly
- Know the signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke
- And what I am asking of you today...donate to an organization that is dedicated to beating this disease!
If I didn't make it clear above, Jon's death was completely unexpected. We didn't even get to say goodbye. So many times with this disease, that is the way it happens for most. So just like you, I thought it would never happen to me or someone I loved. Unfortunately that was not the case. I hope and pray that this disease does not affect you or your loved ones, but until we beat it, we just never know.
For all the reasons above I am asking for your help! I know we are asked daily to help out different organizations that mean something to us. For those of you that support many organizations, I am asking you to add one more. And for those of you that currently support no organizations, make this your one! Times are tough and I know money is tight but maybe the below list will put things into perspective...
- $20-25 = One shirt/top (you'll probably only wear once anyways)
- $10-15 = One meal at a restaurant (think about how many times you eat out each weekend)
- $5 = One Starbuck's coffee
- $1 = The change on the bottom of your car floor
Do you think "I only can or want to donate $1, what's the point"? The point is every dollar counts! Don't feel embarrassed or sad you only gave $1, feel proud you helped make a difference! Go to my webpage below to make a donation.
If you can't donate at this time, please keep the families affected by this disease in your thoughts and prayers!
Thank you for letting me tell you my family's story and hopefully you will join me in fighting this disease!
Beautiful Katie. I loved getting to know Jon during the time that Matt and I were dating. I so wish that he could still be around to see all the exciting things that are happening in the family. Because of those that loved him, the memory of him and his stories will never be forgotten. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteOh Katie, way to make a girl cry on a Tuesday morning! But, good message and Jon would be proud.
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