Stories of the Relentless: A Binge Worthy Series by the American Heart Association American Heart Association

Wife of Detroit bus driver who went viral during the height Covid-19 shares her personal story about how he contracted and died from the virus.
Moderated by celebrated radio host Sybil Wilkes, formerly of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, this is an introduction to powerful stories and conversations about health dynamics in cities across the country including:  Covid-19, health disparities, and more.  Covid-19 has hit communities of color and vulnerable front -line workers the hardest. 
This episode features Desha Hargrove, the wife of Detroit bus driver Jason Hargrove who shares her heart-wrenching story of how her husband lost his life by doing his job on the front-lines transporting the people of his city.
The impact of health disparities and the integrated solutions needed are outlined by Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association and Dr. Clyde Yancy, Chief of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine, Northwestern University.

Relentless Cities is a series of powerful stories and conversations documenting a community’s dedicated pursuit of health in the face of COVID- 19, racial injustice, system limitations and health inequities – all being met by an unyielding spirit of resilience.
We begin with a three-part series in NYC.  Meet Change Agents Stephen and Lizette Ritz, founders of the Green Bronx Machine who are on track to help millions of under-served communities be healthier one child at a time
In this episode you’ll learn:
How the COVID -19 crisis has exposed just how vulnerable underserved communities are when it comes to underlying risks, fragilities, and inequities in our food system; Why food justice matters; How to empower a community through healthy fresh food; How to use food to promote community and economic development; How you too can become a change agent in your community and beyond. 

This episode is hosted by award-winning correspondent Trymaine Lee, with a story profile on pastor, radio show host, gospel artist and New Yorker Donnie McClurkin who testifies about his health journey with diabetes.
We’re shining a light on diabetes and other health disparities which are often rooted in racial and economic inequality.  In NYC, one subway stop apart may mean 10 years difference in life expectancy. Which is why we’ve brought together two relentless leaders: Dr. LeWanza Harris and philanthropist Liz Elting to discuss their efforts and much-needed solutions for underserved communities.

This is the first of our four-part series explores COVID-19 and its potential impact on stroke survivors, their caregivers and families.  Hear stroke patients’ questions and concerns and our stroke experts’ responses.
Moderated by Emmy Award-winning news anchor and journalist Carey Peña, this episode features stroke survivor Christopher Ewing and Dr. Mitchell Elkind, professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University in New York City.
Ewing shares his moving stroke story and the concerns he and fellow stroke survivors in Southern California have about how COVID-19 may affect them.
Elkind addresses stroke survivors’ COVID-19-related health risks and how stroke survivors can reduce their risks and stay healthy during the pandemic.
 

Moderated by Emmy Award-winning news anchor Carey Peña, this episode features stroke survivor Rachel Scanlon Henry and Dr. Kimberly McGuire, a clinical psychologist at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey.
Henry shares her lengthy emotional recovery following her stroke and how it has better equipped her to weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. McGuire addresses how stroke survivors can reduce anxiety and stress and get emotional support during this difficult time.
 

Staying Active at Home Moderated by Emmy Award-winning news anchor and journalist Carey Peña, this episode features stroke survivor Kelly Fucheck and Dr. Rani Whitfield, a board-certified family physician and sports medicine expert.
When Fucheck had two strokes on the same day, she was just 32 years old, severely overweight and a smoker with no fitness regimen. Nine years later, she owns a wellness company and has worked hard to live healthier, including losing weight and being more active. Her physical transformation has helped her weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitfield discusses why physical activity is important for stroke survivors and shares tips and resources for staying active even while staying at home.