Walking In Memory of Rachel Amy by Rene Garcia

“One word to describe my sister, unforgettable. Everyone that was lucky enough to cross paths with her knew that. She had a presence about her that would light up a room and the smile to match. Her signature laugh could be heard from miles away....a laugh that was contagious. We lost Rachel way too soon to a condition called aortic dissection...In Rachel's case, it was fatal. She had just celebrated her 31st birthday. Working two jobs, exhausted, and not making her health a priority proved to be more than her heart could take. Aortic dissection is caused by high blood pressure. Rachel was unaware that she had high blood pressure and our family had never heard of the heart condition...My beautiful sister; my son's aunt; my mother's first born child; was gone too soon. In an instant. I am certain that if she knew she had a weak heart, high blood pressure, or any other high risk factors that she would still be here today. I am doing this walk to keep her memory alive and to also raise awareness about heart health. Rachel would be so proud!! Rest in peace Rachel Amy.”


Unfortunately, too many of us have a loved one affected by heart disease or stroke. As the leading cause of death in this country, cardiovascular disease claims almost as many lives each year as the next seven leading causes of death combined. Join us at the 2009 Las Vegas Heart Walk to raise funds for continued research, community services, and public and professional education programs.