Parent with a Purpose - Meet Missy Amy

One of our favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid is the chance to connect with other parents in our community. Often times these connections inspire us and remind us of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that we launch a new article series called 'Parent with a Purpose'. Our hope is to introduce you to some amazing parents living right in our communities who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their purpose. 

We are honored to introduce you to Missy Amy. Missy is a local congenital heart defects survivor, mom of two young men, and the Regional Director of Northeast Louisiana American Heart Association.

Do you know a local "Parent with a Purpose"? Nominate them to be featured in an upcoming column HERE!

What is your PURPOSE? What do you want to accomplish? 

As a survivor of CHD, my mission is to raise awareness of the number 1 killer, cardiovascular disease. Because I am blessed to be alive, my hope is touch as many people through my job with the American Heart Association. I hope to accomplish a footprint in my community that saves lives, while balancing life with my family. I am blessed to have a husband and sons that participate, have patience support and inspire me to fight to change the perception of cardiovascular disease and stroke. 

(photo credit: Missy Amy)

What inspired/encouraged you to become involved with American Heart Association? Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do? 

I have always been motivated to accomplish all that I can. My background allowed me the credentials to take the position with the AHA, however; I never realized at that moment the opportunity I had to make a difference. I am inspired daily by the stories I hear of so many that are affected and I am encouraged when I have someone call me and say “Your talk made a difference in my life.” I know that God has a purpose for all of us and my mother said recently “she knew that God chose her and Dad to have a baby with CHD and that God chose me to have CHD because I can now have the opportunity to use my experiences to change the outcome for others." I am blessed beyond measure!

How did your life before children influence the mother you are today? (Work, experiences) What part do your children play in your current mission?

I am fortunate to have grown up with parents that NEVER handicapped me, they never told me I could not accomplish anything. I never knew they secretly made sure Dr. King said my activities were okay. I am thankful for this. My parents instilled kindness, patience, work ethic, morals and a relationship with God in me. In 1992, our family changed when my brother Gene passed away unexpectedly. This changed my path and course and also made me acutely aware of how important life is and that we have only one shot at it. All of this affected me as a mother. Once I had my boys, I had the opportunity to stay home with them until they started nursery school and experience, enjoy and savor every moment with them. My son Harrison was born in 2004 with a disability. Through my experience with growing up with my wonderful parents, losing my brother and my relationship with God, I was able to raise a son that is not handicapped by his disability. (see above with how they participate)

What lessons/values are you learning through this process? What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning?

I am continuing to learn each day from the people I am blessed to get to know. So many are not as fortunate as me. I have a lot of work still yet to do to raise awareness! My children learn through my kindness, acceptance of others, determination and they see I am thankful for each day and what we have.

What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?

I am blessed to be healthy. July 27th was 40 years since I had my open heart surgery. My last appt, Dr King said if you didn’t see my scar (or as my parents call it, “representation of her being alive”, you would never know I had open heart surgery. I am very conscious of my health and takes the steps necessary to ensure I stay healthy. I also stay involved with my bible study class and ACTS sisters…this feeds my soul! We pray together and lean on each other. They are an amazing support system!

(Missy Amy and Dr. Terry King)

What can we/the public do to support American Heart Association?

I am living proof that all the dollars raised for the AHA makes a difference. In 1970’s when I had my surgery, 30% of CHD patience died, today that number is 5 %. Every dollar saves a life. There are opportunities to volunteer, raise money and awareness through my 2 events in the community, Heart Walk that is March 4th (nelaheartwalk.org) and Go Red For Women that is May 25th (http://nelagored.heart.org).  The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association's premiere event for raising funds to save lives from this country's No. ... 5 killers - heart disease and stroke. Designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living, the Heart Walk creates an environment that's fun. and rewarding for the entire family. Go Red For Women was created to dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease & stroke as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women, a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

I am so thankful for each person that donates their time, hard work and financial support to my cause. I would not be successful with out each of them or my family. I am blessed to have this opportunity and thank my friend for her support and for nominating me. I hope to be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and Regional Director that I can be!

Northeast Louisiana American Heart Association
3103 Cypress Street, Suite 3, Box 249, West Monroe, LA 71291
770-612-6102 Office | missy.amy@heart.org
 
Want to learn more about our local Go Red for Women? Go to http://nelagored.heart.org
Want to learn more about our local Heart Walk? Go to www.nelaheartwalk.org
 
       my life is why



Know a local Parents with a Purpose? Nominate them to be featured in an upcoming column HERE, or E-mail tiffanyo@macaronikid.com and maybe they will be featured next!
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