THE INSPIRATION
In March of 2021 Rich, who had just recovered from Covid-19, decided to get a full examination before going back to work. Despite being healthy with no preexisting ailments, unbeknownst to him, that decision would change his life forever.
He was diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, also known as a silent killer, and a leaky heart valve. The severity of his condition required immediate open-heart surgery and he recovered successfully.
Covid-19 played the role of a positive instigator and saved his life, but was totally unrelated to the aneurysm.
When a family member goes through a traumatic experience everyone is affected. The love and support from family, friends and medical staff demonstrated the importance of advocacy..
About Us
Who We Are
Vera Sawyer is the founder of Every HeartBeat Counts.
Her ultimate passion is writing, and she’s been blessed with the gift of creativity. She cannot explain why after getting the devastating news that her brother, Rich, needed open heart surgery, she asked him if she could document his journey, but she did. Her brother’s story is near and dear to her heart, for obvious reasons. That experience and a conversation with Rich's surgeon, Dr. Plestis and CRNP Jacqueline McGee, ignited a spark in her to evoke change.
Vera is a heart health advocate who is convinced that knowledge promotes prevention, and both are key in combating heart disease. She is committed to being a resource for inner city communities who need financial assistance to discover a heart ailment or dental clearance to receive open-heart surgery.
Vera is selfless in her intentions of saving lives one HeartBeat at a time*
Rich Sawyer is a healthy, hardworking father of two. He refers to himself as an outgoing introvert and his infectious personality makes him a pleasure to be around. Even though his life was turned upside down he landed firmly on his feet. He is ready to share his story through peer to peer advocacy to patients diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or a leaky heart valve and need surgery.
What We're Doing
We are heart health advocates who support heart health and through your generous donations, collaborations, partnerships and fundraisers we will be able to bring our mission and vision to fruition.
EVERY HEARTBEAT COUNTS 1ST ANNUAL HEART STRIDE
April is not only the anniversary of Rich's successful open-heart surgery but it's also National Walking Month.
We get to celebrate with a heart healthy activity and raise funds for Millie's Monday Meals and Every HeartBeat Count's This Bear Cares gift.
If you cannot join us you can make a donation and we'll walk it out for you!
Thank You & Remember: Together We Can Do Everything*
why we do it
First and foremost Heart Health Matters!
Millie, who refers to herself as a cookbook connoisseur is also a wealth of information with regards to heart healthy eating.
She prepares heart healthy meals, offers healthy tips for food options, takes you shopping so you learn how to read labels and suggests heart healthy options when eating at restaurants.
So, tune in on Mondays for Millie's Monday Meals on Instagram*
We have partnered with Veterans Affairs and are able to distribute a "This Bear Cares" gift to Veterans who are hospitalized for a cardiac condition. We have a program where we partner with senior centers and youth organizations to make custom get well and inspiration cards for the Veterans.
The Veterans are beyond appreciative and their reaction is priceless!
Your donations are greatly appreciated and enable us to continue our charitable efforts.
prevention is key
There Is Hope
Know Your Family Heart Health History & Know Your Numbers
Know Your Family Heart Health History & Know Your Numbers
Heart disease is ageless, although 80% of Cardiovascular Disease, including Heart Disease and Stroke, ARE PREVENTABLE. (CDC)
Know Your Family Heart Health History & Know Your Numbers
Know Your Family Heart Health History & Know Your Numbers
Know Your Family Heart Health History & Know Your Numbers
Your heart health wellness is dependent upon your lifestyle choices. Knowing your important numbers will be an asset in maintaining a healthy heart.
Eat in Colors
Let's Get Moving
Let's Get Moving
American Heart Association - Healthy for Good
Your meals will not only look good they'll also give you the heart health nutrients you need.
Let's Get Moving
Let's Get Moving
Let's Get Moving
Our partnership with 100 BlackMen enables us to provide movement classes with Mastah Tee Fitness & Dance and Aisha's Space & Grace Yoga and Wellness, to the Saturday Leadership Academy!