In moments like these, the weight of time seems to slow down. As I sit here, reflecting on my sister’s journey, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. My sister, at 47, is about to undergo heart surgery — a critical procedure, yes, but one that will mark another chapter in her remarkable story of strength and resilience. It’s a reminder of the importance of heart health, especially for women, and even more so for Black women, who face unique challenges when it comes to cardiovascular health.
The Unseen Battle: Heart Disease in Black Women
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, but the risks are not evenly distributed. Studies have shown that Black women are particularly vulnerable, facing higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity — all of which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, Black women are more likely to die from heart disease than their white counterparts. And it’s not just about numbers; it’s about lives—mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers, like my own sister, who are fighting not only for their health but for their families and communities.
For decades, heart disease in women, particularly in Black women, has been under-researched and under-discussed. Historically, medical research has often failed to consider the specific ways that race and gender intersect when it comes to health outcomes. Black women have been left out of many heart health studies, and as a result, we don’t always have the data needed to advocate for ourselves or understand the full scope of risks.
Raising Awareness and Embracing Change
That’s why I’m writing this blog — to both honor my sister’s courage and to raise awareness. This month, as we focus on heart health, let’s also shed light on the disparities that exist within our healthcare system. It’s time to not only advocate for better treatments and prevention but also to celebrate the strength of Black women like my sister who continue to push for better health outcomes despite the odds.
Heart disease is not a fate we have to accept. Through awareness, early detection, and lifestyle changes, we can reduce the risk. But it requires access to care, education, and most importantly, a commitment to changing the systems that have failed to meet the needs of women of color.
The Power of Resilience
There’s a saying that “strength is not just about how much you can handle before you break, but how much you can handle after you’ve been broken.” My sister has faced health challenges before, and yet, she has always come through with a strength that inspires me every day. It’s not just the resilience to push through difficult times — it’s the resilience to keep fighting, to seek answers, and to stand up for herself in spaces where her voice has often been ignored.
This strength — the kind that emerges in the face of adversity — is the kind that Black women, in particular, have had to embody throughout history. It’s the strength of mothers fighting for their children’s futures, of daughters pushing for better health outcomes, of sisters who support each other even when the world seems to turn a blind eye.
This month, let’s honor and uplift those who are fighting for their health, for equality, and for the next generation. Let’s acknowledge the challenges and also celebrate the contributions of Black women who are shaping the future of healthcare, advocating for more research, and pushing for systemic change.
A Call to Action
We have the power to change our health outcomes — but we also have the power to change the conversation. It’s time for Black women to not only advocate for our health but to demand the same level of attention, research, and resources that other groups receive. We need to recognize the disparities in cardiovascular health and continue the fight for better access to care, particularly in underserved communities.
For my sister, this surgery is just another hurdle in her journey, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how far she’s come and how much further we can all go when we support each other. I am incredibly proud of her, and I know she will continue to inspire me and others for years to come.
As we raise awareness about heart disease this month, let’s also take a moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of Black women everywhere. And to my sister, I love you, I’m with you every step of the way, and I can’t wait to see you come out of this stronger than ever.
Take care of your heart. It’s the heart of everything you do.