A Story from the Heart – featuring Lisa Smith

When my grandmother had a stroke, she was placed in a nursing home. We visited often, but every day she’d ask to come home. Watching her in pain broke my heart, and the toll on my family—physically, financially, and emotionally—was heavy.

The hardest part? Knowing much of it might have been prevented with small, consistent lifestyle choices. During visits, I encouraged her to focus on diet and exercise, and I recommitted to my own health with a plant-based plan.

Now, it’s my mission to help extend the healthy life expectancy of people of color. The lessons we learn through hardship can inspire change—for ourselves, those we love, and the future we deserve.

If you, or someone close to you, wants to share a Story from the Heart, we’d love to hear it. Please fill out this form to be considered for this series.