FAIRBANKS, Alaska, May 9, 2024 – A few years ago, Fairbanks resident Derika Life felt sick. She was having trouble breathing and developed a prolonged cough. She brushed it off, thinking it would go away on its own. But when symptoms persisted and she developed kidney pain, Life decided to visit a walk-in clinic. That visit led to an unexpected diagnosis: she had an enlarged heart, as well as stage three heart and kidney failure due to uncontrolled blood pressure. 

Life was admitted to the hospital and underwent several days of treatment and monitoring. She was discharged with medications, a treatment plan and, eventually, a referral for several months of cardiac rehab. In the time since her diagnosis, Life has had ups and downs along her health journey. Her condition has given her a new perspective on life, and she chooses to make the most of living every day. Today, she focuses on heart-healthy eating, taking her medications, continuing the walks and workouts she did at cardiac rehab and, importantly, listening closely to her body. 

“We can all fight heart disease together,” said Life. “It starts with knowing the symptoms and watching out for them in yourself. If something feels wrong, listen to your gut and act.” 

For the last few years, Life has participated in the Fairbanks Heart Walk, an annual event hosted by the American Heart Association to raise funds and fight heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers. The Fairbanks Heart Walk is an opportunity to participate in a heart-healthy activity, while also joining the fight against heart disease and stroke. 

“I choose to walk because of the fact I’ve lost many family members to heart disease,” said Life. “I’m walking for those who are no longer with us.” She says she also walks for herself, as she strives to live a healthy life, as well as for “Toot Toot,” the nickname she’s given her heart. 

This year’s Fairbanks Heart Walk is on Saturday, May 18 at the Carlson Center, with check-in at noon and the walk beginning at 1 p.m. There will be a 5K route as well as a one-mile survivor route, both of which start and end at the Carlson Center and travel along the scenic Chena Riverwalk. Participants can register for free at FairbanksHeartWalk.org to gain access to event day updates, fundraising tools and the Move More Activity Challenge. 

Funds raised through Heart Walks have enabled the American Heart Association to champion better health outcomes for all, such as improving heart disease and stroke detection and treatment technologies, developing science-backed guidelines to improve the quality of care loved ones receive in hospitals, and uncovering CPR techniques to help bystanders save a life. 

Join Life and others from the Fairbanks community in the fight against heart disease and stroke by signing up for the Fairbanks Heart Walk today. 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with the American Heart Association in Alaska on heart.org/AlaskaFacebookInstagramX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries:

Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org