Why I’m Taking The Treadmill Challenge During The Heart Radiothon

Heart disease affects more people than you know, including me. That's why I'm walking in America's Greatest Heart Run & Walk Treadmill Challenge as part of the WIBX/Slocum Dickson Heart Radiothon.

I have a heart condition. My dad had serious heart and cardiovascular issues. Even my mom has something like I have.

My entire life, I can recall the feeling of having my heart race out of nowhere. I could be laying in bed, eating, or talking on the phone when the sensation would start: a fluttering in my neck, feeling like I had just run a race when I was hardly moving, and sometimes, I would even feel lightheaded and dizzy.

It was weird, because I was an athlete - a runner, in great physical shape. For years, I admit - I just ignored it. Until years later - I was walking my new daughter in a stroller up Paris Road. And I couldn't do it. My heart was racing so fast, I could barely walk.

That's when I went to see a cardiologist who specializes in the electrical pathways of the heart. I was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia. Those are big words that mean my heart sometimes short circuits and beats too fast. In the grand scheme of heart issues, this is a pretty controlable one. Cardiologists tried to fix it with something called an ablation - but it didn't work. Instead, I have to be very careful about how much caffeine I consume, and what medications I take.

Since my diagnosis, I've run the Boilermaker, the NYC marathon, and had two more children.

Many people - women and men - have fought heart diseases more serious than what I have - and won. Some haven't. I'll be on that treadmill for me, and for them. All to raise money for education and research about heart health.

I hope you'll support me. You can call 315-624-WIBX anytime today and Saturday to make a donation - tell them you're supporting Beth on the Treadmill Challenge!