Montgomery County Heart Walk unites business community

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Two local companies are joining forces to raise awareness of heart disease.

Cynthia Head, director of marketing and business development at Texas Premier Mortgage, and Kalli Gonzalez, business development manager at Fidelity National Title, are presenting a unified front for the Nov. 12 Montgomery County Heart Walk and Kids Dash.

While their stories are different, the message is the same: Heart disease can be a heart breaker.

Cynthia's story

Cynthia Head was 16-years old when she experienced heart disease firsthand.

Her father, James McCord, suddenly felt dizzy and short of breath. Head, just learning how to drive but wanting to be strong for her mother, was the one who drove him to the emergency room.

He received several stents in the cath lab.

A healthy diet and regular medication gave McCord another 16 years with his daughter before he died of a massive heart attack in 2014. He was 63.

"Heart disease can sometimes take a long time to develop, but it only takes a short time to take a life," Head said.

Kalli's story

There's nothing quite like the joy of a new baby.

But Gonzalez also experienced fear.

Her daughter Kohen was born with three congenital heart defects – one of which required open-heart surgery when Kohen was just 18-months old.

Despite the challenges, Kohen is now an active, healthy little girl.

"The other two defects do not need to be repaired at this time," Gonzalez said. "We are getting positive reports from doctors, so we'll wait and see."

Gonzalez speaks openly about heart disease and the importance of heart health with Kohen, who will be participating in the Nov. 12 Heart Walk just four days after her 6th birthday.

"It's such a wonderful story, and a wonderful opportunity to participate," Gonzalez said.

Fighting together

Gonzalez and Head are bonded not only in business, but in raising awareness of heart disease.

"We came together and realized how this has affected both of us, and a lot of people we know as well," Head said. "We want the community to understand the signs and symptoms of heart disease, and the steps to take to prevent it."

Their AHA Heart Walk team page can be found here.

Want to help?

What: Fundraiser for the 2016 Montgomery County Heart Walk and Kids Dash

When: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Oct. 6

Where: Kendra Scott, Market Street

More information: 20 percent of sales will be donated to the American Heart Association

Want to go?

What: Montgomery County Heart Walk and Kids Dash

When: Saturday Nov. 12

Why: Fundraiser for the American Heart Association