Kate McCord

Joining as a Heart Hero with the Peyton Walker Foundation is deeply personal to me.

I am incredibly passionate about heart screenings for children, because no family should ever be blindsided by something that could have been detected early. The idea that a child could be living with an undiagnosed heart condition is heartbreaking, especially knowing how much is preventable with the right education and access to screenings.

My heart was also profoundly impacted when I learned about a mother whose life was saved through an adult heart screening. The thought of children growing up without their mom due to a condition that could have been treated with early detection is absolutely devastating. As a mother myself, that reality hits close to home. Protecting women, preserving families, and keeping moms here for their children matters more than words can express.

As a mom of three young children, my instinct is to do everything I can to give them a healthy, hopeful future. But health is the foundation of everything. Without it, none of the dreams, milestones, or plans ahead are possible.

The Peyton Walker Foundation’s commitment to heart screenings and CPR/AED education is life-saving work. These initiatives create awareness, empower families, and give both children and adults the chance to grow, thrive, and be present for the people who need them most. Any step we can take to protect lives—especially the lives of children and mothers—is a step worth taking.