Ed Herider and Lynda Truitt

In Texas, siblings Ed Herider and Lynda Truitt have devoted their lives to promoting heart health and education. Their commitment began with a strong family history of heart disease. Ed, who worked in the family poultry business, and Lynda, a wife and mother, felt compelled to stay healthy to combat their family's genetic heart issues. The heart problems of their father and grandfather highlighted the importance of preventative measures.

Lynda was also motivated to make a difference by her late husband Jake, a dedicated football coach who valued preparedness above all. His desire to be better prepared for emergencies inspired Lynda. After his passing, his passion became her own personal mission, ensuring his lasting impact. By promoting heart health and education, she honors his legacy and continues the work he was passionate about.

Ed and Lynda established the E.L. (Roy) & Thelma Herider Foundation in honor of their parents to support their community and give back. They have promoted CPR in Schools, helping students learn lifesaving skills in just one class period. A fulfilling moment for them was providing CPR manikins to local high schools, including Lynda’s grandkids' school. The full-circle moment showcased the direct impact of their generosity.

Ed stresses the importance of proactive health measures, stating, "Most people don’t pay any attention to their health until they are older and they run into problems. By then, it is more difficult to reverse what has happened." Ed’s wish is for people to take responsibility for their health before they experience a life-changing health event. "Our parents would be pleased that this is what we've been doing," Lynda reflects, "making a strong impact for the health of the community and future generations."

Their involvement with the AHA reflects their commitment to life and education. Ed says, "Our heart is a critical organ and deserves our attention, and the AHA helps people focus on their heart health rather than ignore it. Supporting this cause is incredibly important because it serves many people. Just hearing about heart health can inspire others to take care of themselves and avoid heart-related events.”

Region Sr. Mission Advancement Director Henry Morris has worked closely with Ed and Lynda and has strengthened his relationship with them over a few years to better understand their passions and how they align with the mission of the AHA. Henry shares: “After joining Mission Advancement in 2022, I was introduced to Ed Herider and his sister, Lynda Truitt. They had been supporting the AHA for over 20 years through their family foundation, the E.L (Roy) and Thelma Herider Foundation, though they had never fully explored our wide variety of programs. As I strengthened our relationship and learned more about them, I discovered their true passion: positively impacting youth and the next generation. Introducing them to AHA's youth-focused initiatives, they were particularly inspired by the CPR training kits for local schools. Thanks to Ed and Lynda, we've provided dozens of CPR Youth Kits to several school districts in the DFW area. They are thrilled knowing their gifts are training the next generation of lifesavers!”