EDITOR,

Very unexpectedly, I lost my dear friend and job-share partner, Becky Herrick, to a massive heart attack Sept. 26, 2006. She was 36 years old, a seemingly healthy wife, mother of two young children, Quinn (now 6) and Jack (now 2), and sixth-grade teacher.

Unfortunately, she was unaware that she had coronary heart disease. She had no family history of heart disease, led an active lifestyle and was very conscious of what she and her family ate.

It is my mission, in Herrick’s honor and memory, to educate women about risk factors and ways to prevent heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. Please join me in fighting back against a disease that has taken so much from me and many others.

Throughout February, you can fight back by visiting Kelly Elementary School, Poet Christian School, Tresses or Nails Elite to make a $5 donation to the American Heart Association and receive an official Go Red For Women red dress pin. 

In addition, today people should wear red in support of heart health awareness and the National Go Red For Women Day. Visit www.goredforwomen.org for more information.

— Tina Brown, Tracy