Why I’m Joining the National CPR & AED Awareness Rally in Washington D.C.

In just over a week, I will be packing my bags, my Heart of Hope books, and a heart full of purpose to join Ed Koseic’s Foundation and many other lifesaving organizations in Washington D.C. for the 5th Annual National CPR and AED Awareness Rally & March—an event held during National CPR and AED Awareness Week, June 1–7.

For me, this isn’t just another event. This is personal.

In 2019, I was brought back to life thanks to CPR and an AED after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. As a survivor, I live each day with gratitude and a responsibility to raise awareness. Every second truly counts—and this rally is a powerful chance to make those seconds matter for others too.

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💓 Why This March Matters

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) continues to take lives every single day—often without warning. This rally is our collective voice telling the nation: enough is enough. We’re calling on legislators, communities, and individuals to act with urgency.

As I walk from the Washington Monument to the Capitol, and later to the White House, I will do so not only as a survivor—but as a mother, a wife, and an advocate. I will walk for those who survived and those who didn’t. I will walk with the mission of teaching CPR, honoring lives, and demanding action.

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🕊 How I’m Preparing

This year, I will be attending not only as a participant, but also as a Heart of Hope ambassador and sponsor. My book, Heart of Hope, was born from the very event that nearly took my life—and it now lives on as a beacon to others who are healing, grieving, or searching for answers.

I’m bringing copies of the book, sharing my story, and offering hugs, hope, and encouragement to anyone who needs it. I’m also preparing to:

• Connect with fellow survivors and co-survivors
• Advocate for life-saving legislation with lawmakers
• Participate in CPR demonstrations
• Honor every soul represented in the Turning of the Tide Project, where 5,000 red flags will be placed on the National Mall to symbolize how many lives are impacted by SCA in just five days

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🤝 Who’s Behind This Powerful Movement?

This rally is a collaborative effort driven by Every Second Counts CPR, Ed Koseic’s Foundation, the DC Fire Department, and a passionate network of survivors, nonprofits, heart health vendors, and advocates from across the nation.

The event includes:

• Thursday Meet & Greet (June 5)
• Advocacy March and Public CPR Training (June 6)
• Training Day and CPR World Record Attempt (June 7)

And it’s 100% free and open to all.

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🌍 Join the Movement

This isn’t just a march. It’s a mission. And I want you to walk beside me in spirit—or in person.

📍If you’ll be in D.C., I would love to meet you.
📲 If you can’t join, follow my journey live on Instagram: @jana_bonassi
📘 And if you haven’t already, grab your copy of Heart of Hope—a story of survival, purpose, and healing that I hope will touch your heart.

Together, we can save lives, one heartbeat at a time.

Yours Truly,
Jana Bonassi
Cardiac Arrest Survivor and Advocate, Book Author, bringing hope to survivors of all walks of life