My Journey at the CPR & AED Awareness March and Rally ❤️🩹💪
Two days filled with inspiration, grief, courage, and an unshakable mission — that’s how I describe my recent experience at the CPR and AED Awareness March and Rally in Washington, DC.
Even though progress in CPR education and AED availability in the US is still slow, the determination of survivors, advocates, and families fuels my hope and strength. This gathering renewed my commitment to this vital cause and reminded me why I survive: to save lives and bring hope.
A Sobering Reality: Survival and Loss in One Room
After an inspiring day marching with hundreds of advocates and demonstrating CPR to bystanders in front of the US Capitol and the White House, we had a special dinner with the march organizers and speeches from many supporting organizations. At one moment it was asked that survivors and parents of children that were lost to cardiac arrest stood up… I looked around and saw only 4 survivors standing tall—including myself. But surrounding us were more than 20 parents who had lost their children to cardiac arrest. 💔
Meeting those parents was heartbreaking. They told stories of loved ones lost simply because someone didn’t know CPR or because AEDs weren’t available. Their pain was palpable, yet their will to change this heartbreaking reality was even stronger.
“Being surrounded by parents who lost their children because someone didn’t know CPR broke my heart in pieces.”
This is the real face of cardiac arrest in America—too many lives lost, too few saved.
When Purpose Awakens: From Guilt to Mission 🙏✨
I have often felt a deep guilt for being alive when so many others were not. But God wasn’t ready to take me — He awakened me to a purpose.
That purpose is to raise awareness, teach CPR, and advocate for AED access so that no family has to endure the pain that so many here have faced.
“If this is my mission… I WELCOME IT WITH OPEN ARMS!”
My survival is not by chance — it is a call to action.
Powerful Moments That Stirred My Soul 💖
- 5000 Red Flags at the Washington Monument:
In honor of 5,000 avoidable deaths each year due to cardiac arrest, red flags were planted as a silent but powerful call to action. - More Than 1000 Participants at the CPR Relay and Rally:
Hundreds learned for the first time how to save a life. Every new person who learns CPR is a potential life saved. - Congresswoman Sheila McCormick’s Address:
Her words reminded us all that while policy is important it is just the first step to open doors. The fight and the constant awareness must continue so policy can generate action. - Meeting Fellow Survivors and Advocates:
I led the survivors meeting of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. It is an honor being their ambassador and humbling to lead such an important meeting on my first participation of this event. Hearing stories of trauma and healing brought a profound sense of community. Together, we are stronger and can bring hope to many more.
Together, We Must Do Better — For America and For the World 🌍💙
The march and rally were organized by incredible groups like Every Second Count CPR, American Heart Association, Heart Rhythm Society, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation (proudly representing as an ambassador), and supported by many sponsors like Zoll, Philips, Prestan, and SaveStation, alongside local organizations whose passion touched my heart deeply. I also had the opportunity to share my story with my book Heart of Hope, which was also a supporter and sponsor of the event.
While statistics show survival from sudden cardiac arrest moving too slowly, the dedication in this room showed me the change is coming—because we refuse to accept the status quo.
“Let’s do BETTER America, I’m living proof CPR can save a life.”
My Commitment to You: Hope in Every Heartbeat 💓
This experience renewed my fire to educate, advocate, and inspire. The strength I drew from meeting those parents who fight for their lost children fuels my promise to keep pushing, to keep raising awareness, and to keep sharing the message: CPR saves lives — your life could be the next one saved.
If you take away one thing from my story, it’s this: You can be a hero. Learn CPR. Advocate for AEDs. Spread hope.
Thank you for walking this journey with me. Together, we are changing the narrative — one heartbeat at a time.
With hope and determination,
Jana Bonassi
Survivor | Advocate | Author
Ambassador, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
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