Walking for Pappy Bill

We made signs...

Dressed in our Penn State gear (Pappy Bill's favorite team)...

And met up with some coworkers...

To walk in this year’s American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. Steve and I raised money and walked in honor of “Pappy Bill” (my dad). Less than 24 hours after Ellie was born, my dad had a heart attack. We were on the same floor of the hospital for a few hours that morning. I will never forget how scared I was when my brother came running into my hospital room to tell me that my dad was about to be airlifted to a major medical center. We both ran through the hospital halls to his room, fearing that it might be the last time we got to see or talk to our dad. Very shortly after, I watched from my hospital room window as my dad was loaded into the helicopter and flown to the medical center. He had surgery a few hours later and remained in the hospital for several days. It was a crazy, scary, emotional time for our family, but we were so blessed to have my dad home in time to celebrate Christmas that year.

Today, my dad is doing wonderfully. He always jokes that he and Ellie have a date in common, and I guess they do. I’m just glad that God walked with us through those difficult days. I’m also thankful for the American Heart Association and the doctors and researchers who work hard every day to save lives.

So, in honor of Pappy Bill, we walked and waved signs and raised money ($330 to be exact). Thank you to everyone who donated to this very important cause:
Barb and Walt

Judy and Jeff

Gretchen and Jason

Wayne and Lori

Aunt Penny and Uncle Brad

Aunt Daphne and Uncle Marty

Pappy Bill and Grammy Linda

It felt good to give back.