Hey Heart Buddies. Wow. What a whirlwind lately. So many wonderful lessons came from my own heart journey that continue to serve me well until this day. I learned that all hard moments pass like a storm cloud over the Tetons. Knowing that all of us will be given challenges and that we don't have to wade through the challenge alone keeps me upright in times like right now. You see...My oldest dog and kitty fell ill last week. These two have been with me through it all for well over a decade. And then, Jason broke off the transverse processes on his L3 and L4 this past Sunday in a mountain bike tumble. So, it's just been one foot in front of the other for me. The good news is I know all of this temporary. Illnesses come and go. Bones heal. Hearts mend.

I just keep doing the next right thing which is bringing ice packs to Jason, hugging the dog and cat, and bringing heart patients together. Despite all that is happening, the podcast continues to exceed all expectations and grow beyond my wildest dreams. The most exciting part is the community that is beginning to come together.

Let me introduce you to one member: Holly Morrell.

Holly is a tireless advocate for heart health and the founder of Heartfelt, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through early detection, education, and public awareness of sudden cardiac arrest. Despite her ongoing health challenges, including multiple heart surgeries and the complications of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Holly has managed to create a lasting impact in her community.

Key Highlights:

• Holly shares how her experiences with open-heart surgery and familial health challenges propelled her into her life's work. She firmly believes that the gift of purpose is often hidden within our struggles.
• Holly discusses the ongoing struggle for funding faced by smaller grassroots organizations like Heartfelt and how larger national organizations often overshadow them.
• Dive deep into Holly's personal health journey, comprising numerous surgeries, complications, and the trials of living with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Discover how Heartfelt has achieved the incredible milestone of screening 60,000 individuals for heart health, despite operating without substantial funding.
• Hear Boots Knighton and Holly Morrell reflect on the transformative nature of their experiences, the mental and emotional shifts post-surgery, and the importance of perseverance.

Call to Action: please leave a review, if you haven't already. It truly makes a difference in the podcast is found. Share this episode with friends and family to spread the message of hope and resilience.

Stay Connected: Follow me on social media and stay tuned for more inspiring stories. If you have a story to share, feel free to reach out; we’d love to hear from you.

Join The Patreon Community!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG! This is THE PLACE TO BE on the internet. :) Special thank you to Diana Hughes who was the first to sign up for the community. Who's next?

In case no one has told you today, I love you, you matter, and your heart is your greatest teacher.

xo Boots