I met Julie Walker at Penn State as a sorority sister, and we have remained close friends ever since. I will never forget the night I heard the news that her daughter, Peyton, had passed away from sudden cardiac arrest. In an instant, everything changed.

Not long after, Julie found the strength to turn unimaginable loss into purpose by launching the Peyton Walker Foundation. The foundation’s first event, The Beat Goes On Adventure Race, was held in 2014, and I have been involved ever since. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the powerful impact the foundation’s work has had through CPR education, heart screenings, and AED donations.

The Peyton Walker Foundation has saved lives.  AEDs donated by the foundation have been deployed by citizens, giving people a second chance at life. Individuals have performed CPR during those first few critical moments because the training they received through the foundation’s classes kicked in. These programs don’t just raise awareness; they change outcomes.

I have also seen what the loss of a child does to a family. The grief changes shape over time, but it never truly goes away.

Please help me raise funds so the Peyton Walker Foundation can continue its lifesaving mission, educating communities, providing AEDs, and helping prevent other families from experiencing this devastating loss.