Keynote Speaker - Denise Jackson
Have you ever wanted to make a lifestyle change but just weren’t sure how to get started? Maybe lose a little weight, exercise more often, eat better… Denise Jackson was just like that when one day she decided she wanted to live a long and healthy life for her children, grandchildren and herself!!! She made a plan to lose weight, get in better shape and feel better physically – all the while working two jobs and taking care of her family. Hear the amazing story of how Denise made a healthier lifestyle part of her life – losing 191 pounds and reducing or getting rid of her risk factors for cardiovascular disease all together. Denise will share her struggles and triumphs and inspire everyone to make just one small change to live a healthier life TODAY!
Volunteer Message - Lynnette Heard
When the R&B legend and songstress Chaka Khan sings, "I'm Every Woman," I KNOW she is singing to me. For most of my life, I've constantly been pulled and pushed in so many directions by my loving family, in a career that I thoroughly enjoy, and wanting to do everything I can to improve the quality of life in the communities that have given so much to me. This sense of purpose is often my greatest downfall...because I THINK I can be "every woman." What I've forgotten in this portrait of myself.....IS myself. Clearly, I know that as an African-American woman who is the daughter of two parents whose lives were cut short from heart disease and stroke, I am a target. I'd like to believe that stress doesn't affect me; and I'd like everyone know that I can handle EVERYTHING that comes my way. The reality is that not everything in my life is under my control.....except what I do for myself. Yes, I struggle with trying to find time for just ME, seeking moments of solace in the hectic pace of work, and finding peace in the silence of being in the presence of God. Yet, I know that I owe my BEST self to my husband, sons, grandchildren, sister, niece, and all who love me. The last thing that I can even imagine is listening to them all tell me that I should have taken better care of myself. So, I'm still a work in progress...a woman on a journey toward better health committed to eating better, trying to find more time to exercise after a 80-minute round trip commute on I-75 , and making more time for enjoying the moments of life. This is a health promise that my heart deserves...and I one that I intend to keep....thanks to the American Heart Association. I don't want to be another statistic....I want my life to be one of purpose and healthiness...I still want to be "Every Woman"....but one who puts her health as the FIRST priority...not the last.