Keith Ahrens

“5 years ago, August 23, 2007, is the day I had my open-heart surgery. I remember as if it were yesterday. More healthy, healing, positive energy from family and friends was sent my way that day than anyone ever deserved. I would imagine all survivors can relate to how I feel. I’m more alive today than I’ve ever been. So many blessings and good fortune have come my way.  Everyday, I make it my goal to give back to others. Each day presents new challenges and obstacles but I do my best. Never take life or good health for granted. Everyday is the greatest day of my life.” I love you TT.” – Keith

If you could tell your legislators just one thing about Heart Disease, What would you tell them?

Mass CPR Training event in Denver today.  Hundreds of men and women showed up today ranging from High School students to Senior Citizens to be trained in Hands Only CPR.  Training took place every hour on the hour at East High School.  We had over 50 trainers and the American Heart Association did a great job putting it all together.  Dozens of vendors also gave out important health information.  We heard from several Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors as they shared their stories of how quick action by a bystander and CPR and AED use saved their lives. K

This afternoon we held our annual Heart Walk Kick-Off Party for the  American Heart Association – Denver at Sports Authority Field (Bronco Stadium) in the Visitors Locker Room. It was a wonderful team building and strategy meeting.  We heard from a Stroke Survivor, got fired-up with a Zumba Team, and heard how last years top fund raisers motivated their friends, family and co-workers to donate to the mission. We were even allowed to go on the field. This years Denver Heart Walk is June 2.  Feel free to email me for more details.  Keith

Saturday, March 24. East High School Denver. Last year 1600 trained… this year we expect over 2000. Saving lives by teaching one person at a time. Anyone can do it. It’s so easy to learn. If your near Denver just show up for an hour and we’ll show you how. Keith

OK, I get it.

See story below (LINK)

I think it’s great and heroic that she was able to steer the bus off the road and saved the lives of the children on board. Now let me take it a step further. The bus driver is dead. The article says, “Some are reported to have prayed for the driver as he lay on the floor while others shielded the bus’ younger passengers from the scene.”
Why didn’t any of the children perform CPR and potentially save his life? Perhaps none of the students knew CPR. That’s why we’re advocating to have CPR mandated as a High School graduation requirement. Give me 5 minutes with your school-aged children and I’ll teach the students how to save a life. Learn CPR/AED. Learn what to do when someone has a heart attack. Keith Ahrens

Graceann Rumer: Philadelphia teen steers runaway school bus to safety | Mail Online

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Heart Healthy New Years Wishes to Everyone.

The greatest gift I receive has no wrapping paper, no bow, no name tag and yet I’ll know it’s for me.

My gift is — Another Day.

Living with Heart Disease and getting a second chance means I take nothing for granted, ever.

The lights on the tree are brighter, each ornament is more special, the turkey smells better, the cold air feels fresher and the kids playing and running will sound like a symphony.

When I tell her I love her, she knows it’s forever.  What a year, What a life.

Treat Everyday As Christmas…  Everyday is a gift. – Keith

This Just In…. Team “Outrunning My Shadow” earns “Top Community Team” Award for 2nd year.

 Las Vegas Heart Walk 2011.

Great thanks to all that donated, walked, supported or had us in your thoughts.  

We walked for everyone:)  Heart Healthy Days Ahead for us all:) Keith

Less than 2 weeks left. October 15th is the big day in Las Vegas. Join me in fighting the #1 Killer of Americans. Your support and generous donation for ANY amount helps to fight this disease through research, education and awareness campaigns in your neighborhoods and States.

We are doing some great things this year.

Join my team, “Outrunning My Shadow” or donate to my page. If you’re unable to attend, I’ll walk for you and/or your loved one this year.

Thank you for all your help and continued support, Keith

A New Heart, A New Life, A New Love.  I got engaged Friday in Vail, Colorado at 11,000 feet.  It was a beautiful and picture perfect day.  We took the gondola to the top of the mountain and walked over to the Wedding Deck.  After waiting for the Wedding party that was up there to clear the deck, I could no longer stall.  We walked over hand in hand; I took a deep breath, dropped to one knee, presented her with the ring, and asked her to marry me.   She said – “Yes”.

I had a life where I thought no one could ever love me unconditionally and thinking that, in turn, I could not offer that love to someone else.  That all changed after I was reunited this year with Terri.  She had vacationed on a Windjammer Barefoot Cruise 22 years ago with 2 of my brothers, my sister-in-law, and one of my sisters.  Terri and my sister remained close friends and I first met her at my sisters wedding 12 years ago.  Although we don’t remember the encounter that well, we each remember my sister telling each of us for years after that we needed to meet each other and that we would be perfect with one another.  After talking for more than a year, we made arrangements for her to come to visit me in Las Vegas.

When Terri arrived to see me, I met her at the airport and it was love at first sight.  My world had changed the instant I saw her.  The rest is history and history in the making.

She has an incredible daughter who’s in Medical School to be a Doctor and a wonderful family. Our families have each taken us in as their own and the love and support from our dear friends has made this journey even more wonderful than we could ever have imagined.

The ring I had made for her has a center stone with 6 diamonds on each side.  Each side diamond represents each one of our brothers and sisters and each one of our mothers and fathers.  There is a diamond inside the band that is for her daughter who will always be closest to her heart.  The ring symbolizes our love for each other and our desire never to be far from our families.

I tell people everyday as I speak about health and lifestyle change that “Anything is Possible”.  Those words have never been more meaningful. – Keith