Walker’s son, Caleb, 20, said it was scary at times when his mom would be sick or hospitalized. Once, a doctor told him to say his goodbyes because she might not live.
“I think she did a remarkable job staying positive and maneuvering through that situation,” he said. “It’s very inspiring.”
She’s really living her life now, he said.
Walker’s scar on her chest reminds her she is a survivor.
For a long time, she didn’t want anyone to know she had heart disease. But that has changed, and she is sharing her story as a 2017 Go Red For Women national ambassador for the American Heart Association.
“I wasn’t just saying yes for me. I was saying yes for all of those women who may have been experiencing symptoms and may not have known what is going on,” said Walker, who is a consultant at a large health plan organization and also a certified life coach.
“It’s been one of the most amazing things I’ve done with my life. I’ve turned my pain into purpose and I’m helping people every day live their best lives in spite of the circumstances.”