Disclosure: All prizes listed in this post were provided for free.
Ok, I’m going to stop nattering on about my book for a moment to start nattering on about The Heart Truth® campaign run by SUBWAY and Diet Coke. February is American Heart Month which is kinda important because heart disease is the number one killer of women in the US. A quick Googling pulled up this article from 2007 that says, “Approximately 40% of all women who die are struck by heart disease or stroke. More women die this way than from the total of all cancers, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).”
My grandfather died of a stroke, and most of my aunts and uncles have high blood pressure, so my own heart health is rather important to me. I like this whole “living” thing, even if it occasionally comes with chronic headaches and weight regain. To lower your risk of heart disease you should exercise regularly and eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Which I know is easier said than done. If only celery tasted like cupcakes. *sigh*
Here’s the low-down on what The Heart Truth® campaign is about:
During the month of February every time you visit a SUBWAY restaurant you can trigger a donation from Diet Coke to heart health programs by using your smart phone to “check-in” at the virtual heart flag nearby using Facebook places or FourSquare. Donations will be triggered until we hit our grand total of a $100,000 consumer generated donation to heart health programs. Or, you can visit dietcoke.com/hearttruth to capture “heart flags” and plant them on your blog or Facebook page—these actions can trigger donations* and help spread awareness for heart health!
Subway has also given me a gift pack to give away to a lucky reader. It includes:
- A $50 gift card to cover a one-month gym membership
- A $25 SUBWAY Card
- A pedometer
- The new 2011 Diet Coke pin (which comes in two pieces so you can give half to your friend, just like those old BFF necklaces!)
- A Diet Coke Heart Truth notebook (which I gotta say is rather sleekly designed)
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below telling me who in your life has the biggest heart (metaphorically, not literally, because that’s a medical problem to be taken seriously). A winner will be randomly selected. Only one entry per email address. Only US residents are eligible. Giveaway ends on Monday, February 28 at 11:59pm EST.
Claire says
February 25, 2011 at 8:23 amThat would have to be my husband. No one’s got a bigger heart than him.
Ann Claeson says
February 25, 2011 at 8:28 amMy mom, who died right before Thanksgiving, had a TREMENDOUSLY generous heart and spirit. She always had a smile and a a kind word for anyone with whom she came across. She could instantly become your friend – not many people can say that. She was a giver.
Denise says
February 25, 2011 at 8:34 amMy fiance has a huge heart. He does stuff for me all the time without me asking, and surprised me with flowers on Valentine’s Day. He’s the sweetest.
Amanda says
February 25, 2011 at 8:55 amMy aunt! She gives and gives and makes sure that everyone around her is taken care of, spends every day at the nursing home with my grandma, and has little time to do anything for herself. She’s the most selfless person I know.
Kristen says
February 25, 2011 at 8:56 amDefinitely my grandparents. I tried to decide which of them is the one with the biggest heart, but after 55 years of marriage, they pretty much function as a single unit. Anyway, they win it in my life because of their seemingly endless capacity to love, and give freely of their time, money, and energy to all of their friends and family. They are two of my favorite people and I am proud to say that I wouldn’t be who I am today without Grammy and Pappy. <3
adrienne says
February 25, 2011 at 8:59 amThere are many big-hearted people in my life, but I have particular appreciation for a friend.
Both her parents, her husband’s parents, and her young child are facing very serious medical diagnoses. While supporting all these folks, she also brought us a hot meal when the baby came home from NICU, watched the kids when I was in the hospital, and helped us navigate the NICU experience.
I really appreciate her compassion even in the midst of circumstances that would unhinge most people.
AfterGirl says
February 25, 2011 at 9:39 amMy 80 year old mother has the biggest heart for children. She was a teacher for over 40 years and always taught Sunday School and still help out with Sunday School every Sunday. Her heart for children is wonderful. She is in excellent health so we were all shocked when she had a heart attack this summer. She has recovered well and is currently doing well.
Beth says
February 25, 2011 at 9:46 amMy mom is always ready to help people out. She is a pillar of strength, and I couldn’t do without her.
Anneke says
February 25, 2011 at 9:55 amI think my husband has the biggest heart. He just shows his love in so many ways – making sure that he kisses me goodbye and tells me he loves me in the morning, with the way he cries (and denies it quite vehemently) at TV programs, and how he is always covered with cat hair because he was hugging the cat.
And he gave me the best valentine’s gift ever – a nice sweater so I could stay warm when he wasn’t there to keep me warm.
Sara says
February 25, 2011 at 10:02 amMy MOL–just so sweet; very lucky
Crissy says
February 25, 2011 at 10:22 amMy step father. ? He will do anything for anyone and never expect anything in return. He really goes out of his way to help people out, I’ve never met anyone else like him before.
My own husband also has a huge heart and will do anything for me and my kids. ? I am very lucky to have these wonderful men in my life!
kat says
February 25, 2011 at 10:44 amMy boyfriend. He’s really just a great guy and it took me a long time to realize just how great he is.
Shea says
February 25, 2011 at 11:15 amMy fiance has a tremendous heart. He’s kind and very giving to everyone. He’s sincerely the nicest man I’ve ever met (and I tell him this as often as possible).
Jenna Z says
February 25, 2011 at 11:17 amMy mom has the biggest heart possible. She treats everyone, especially those needing a hand, like family. Every Christmas, she “adopts” numerous families (secretly) and delivers wrapped presents and boxes of food to their houses when they aren’t home. She is a crafter and makes cancer caps, baby blankets and cat beds for her favorite charities. She lives a simple life, and everything she has she would give to someone who needed it more. I am so glad she’s my mom, I’ve learned so much from her!
PJ says
February 25, 2011 at 11:26 amMy best friend, Jennifer, has the biggest heart ever. She has genuine concern for everyone including strangers. A few months ago she and her husband noticed a homeless person sleeping under a bridge several times over the course of a week. Lots of people would feel bad for a second and keep on going, but she and her husband went to Walmart, bought him a bunch of food, blankets, clothes, etc and left it for him in a big box. They did this just for him, without any fanfare or accolades for themselves. I think a lot of times I think about doing stuff like this when I see people in need, but then I don’t follow through. She did.
Megan Gervais says
February 25, 2011 at 11:34 amMy mother in law has the biggest heart of anyone I know…she somehow manages to squeeze 28 hours a day of helping people into 24 and she’s always willing to take on more. She makes meals for her in-law who are dealing with dementia and helps to pay for home aids to help, she does my laundry, her laundry, anyone’s laundry..she drives me places because I just had surgery, she babysits her grandson at the drop of a hat, she watches our cat…she’s always there to do things for others when they’re unable to…and I am grateful for her!
Hunter says
February 25, 2011 at 11:38 amI guess it would have to be my grandmother. She died three months shy of 101 this time last year. I planted a tree in her honor and everytime I look at it I think of her and the wonderful person that she was and all the things she did, not just for me, but for all she touched. I miss her very much.
Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy says
February 25, 2011 at 11:47 amMy parents have the biggest hearts of anyone I know – they’re always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need!
Mary B. says
February 25, 2011 at 11:49 amMy sister. Helped me out countless times when I was raising my children (as a single parent) and then took wonderful care of our parents when they could no longer take care of themselves. She continues to volunteer at the nursing home now that our parents are no longer alive and provides comfort to many of the residents there.
Caroline says
February 25, 2011 at 12:04 pmUnquestionably, it’s my mom. She works full time taking care of older people, as an occupational therapist in a nursing home. She works with them to keep them as independent as possible, so they can maintain good quality of life as long as they can. I’ve seen her go out of her way, time and again, spending extra time (and often her own money) to get patients the equipment they need…or even just to bring them a book or a movie they might be interested in. She really listens to what they have to say, and is a bright spot in their lives.
And then she comes home and does the same thing for her family and friends! She takes care of everyone and is the most thoughtful person I’ve ever known. I’m so grateful to have her in my life; I hope I can be even half the woman she is. :)
Mindy says
February 25, 2011 at 12:30 pmMy friend, Jan, who has faced so many losses and is struggling to win her cancer battle yet still is the kindest, sweetest, person I know always asking about others and making you feel like you’re the only person in the world who matters.
Jeremy Logsdon says
February 25, 2011 at 12:37 pmWow. That’s deep. Uhm, biggest heart… For me, in my life, it would definitely be my wife. She’s given me more than I ever have deserved to get.
Kate says
February 25, 2011 at 12:42 pmMy mom has the biggest heart of anyone I know. I am one of 9 kids and she has done such a fantastic job of making each of us feel special in her eyes!
Congrats on the book, sweet spot at Barnes and Noble!!!
darcy b. says
February 25, 2011 at 12:43 pmmy sister has the biggest heart of anyone i know. she is always giving and creating for other people, whether she knows them or not. and she loves me unconditionally, which is pretty amazing.
Michelle says
February 25, 2011 at 12:49 pmMy postwoman has the biggest heart. She delivers our mail in rain or shine. Sometimes the sidewalks are icy and she’s still out making the rounds. Also, she wears a surgical mask on her face when she’s ill and always wears rubber gloves when handling our mail. I think she’s a model of public safety.
Michelle says
February 25, 2011 at 12:51 pm@Michelle – I mean public health, not public safety.
Kelley says
February 25, 2011 at 12:51 pmMy Mom – she would not say ‘no’ to anyone that needed her.
Meghan says
February 25, 2011 at 1:01 pmAw, I like this contest! My mom has the biggest heart I know.
Roberta says
February 25, 2011 at 1:03 pmMy daughter Kim has the biggest heart, she is always there for whoever needs her and never asks for anything in return.
Deanna - The Unnatural Mother says
February 25, 2011 at 1:24 pmHILARIOUS!!!!! So funny!!
Lisa says
February 25, 2011 at 1:27 pmMy friend Star has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. She’s an amazing person who will give anyone the shirt off her back no questions asked. She’s rescued about 50 cats in the neighborhood by catching them, getting them fixed and finding them homes–which is really expensive, especially since she’s unemployed. If she could rescue all the cats in the world, she would!
Jackie says
February 25, 2011 at 1:27 pmYou should ask the library if you can do a presentation about your book or even both your books. They often have authors visiting.
Rose says
February 25, 2011 at 1:42 pmMy stepmother has a huge heart. Without being a pushover or a sucker, she’s one of the most honestly caring and generous people I know.
Marla says
February 25, 2011 at 1:45 pmThat tough, but I think it’s my mom. She’s always been so selfless when it comes to myself and my siblings.
Truly so generous of self and spirit.
I’m very lucky to have such a mom.
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says
February 25, 2011 at 1:55 pmDon’t you dare tell him that I told you but I’d have to say my brother. He really is a good guy.
Oh, I have your book on my desk and the kids are going crazy over the cupcake! They keep wanting to eat it!
sian says
February 25, 2011 at 2:12 pmI would have to say my mom ;) she always puts everyone ahead of herself and she makes a mean lasgana!
Rebecca L says
February 25, 2011 at 2:26 pmDespite her stern demeanor, my mother had a generous spirit and a kind heart. She would take care of anyone in need — even people she did not particularly like. Our relationship was often strained, but when my partner and I went through a very difficult time (we lost a baby), her big heart and kind intentions shone, and we made amends. Unfortunately, soon after our reconciliation, my mother was diagnosed with cancer — 6 months later (this past December), she passed away. I grieve this loss, but I will always remember her generosity and caring.
Princess Dieter says
February 25, 2011 at 3:17 pmMy (now gone to Heaven) mom… she, though making not much above minimum wage and working her butt off, still gave to those with less than her, fed the neighborhood “Welfare kids” when their moms were too busy getting drunk or shooting up or for days with boyfriends. She cooked extra to share. She visited the sick. She collected money for cancer society and la leche league. She would give to whoever asked. Still amazes me. I’m nowhere near as big-hearted….not like her. I miss her big heart….and smile…
Sniff.
Lin says
February 25, 2011 at 3:40 pmMy mom has the biggest heart! She is always helping others, caring about friend, family and even those she doesn’t know. My mom is just a very kind and giving person.
Caro says
February 25, 2011 at 4:22 pmI would have to say my daughter has the biggest heart. For a 5 year old she is surprisingly sensitive to what people really care about. She regularly asks adults about a previous injury (“How is your toe today?”) or says nice things like, “I really like your hair cut.” She says it with a sincerity that makes adults stop and stare at her, touched by the fact that she’s asked after them. I hope she keeps this quality.
Ann Singer says
February 25, 2011 at 5:10 pmMy 8 12/ year old daughter. I adopted her (I’m a single mom) from Vietnam, and since i first received her in a teeny tiny little orphanage at 4 1/2 months old, she has had an amazing ability to be empathic, sensitive, aware of what’s going on with other people, loving, generous.
Amy Brinson says
February 25, 2011 at 5:18 pmMy children have the biggest hearts. They are so sweet and compassionate!
Chrissy says
February 25, 2011 at 5:40 pmWow, having some trouble with that, bc 3 ppl came to mind. My Mother (no longer living..), my dear friend D, & I also thought Jillian Michaels seems like she has a big heart. She is not bothered by her fans, rather she seems to care deeply about them, & want the best for ppl.
So yeah, maybe I don’t qualify, bc I couldn’t follow directions properly. [I hope I do.] Thanks, tho, and thanks Subway.
Pam says
February 25, 2011 at 6:43 pmThe person with the biggest heart in my life is my middle son. He & his wife are foster parents, and give a great home and lots of love to many, many kids, who need it very badly. I’m so proud of them. Thanks for an opportunity to brag about my kid, Jennette!
Kristin says
February 25, 2011 at 6:44 pmIt’s a tie between my husband and my Mom. How lucky can I be to have spent the first 26 years of my life with such a big heart only to be added to after my wedding?
Nita says
February 25, 2011 at 7:17 pmMy stepdad has the biggest heart. The number of people he takes care of (and has for many years) is astounding. And some of them are just so surprising (he took care of his wife’s ex-husband when he was dying of cancer).
she overflows says
February 25, 2011 at 7:26 pmHands down, my mom.
Bethama says
February 25, 2011 at 8:23 pmIt feels cliche, but yes, it’s my mom. I’m blessed to have her.
Jennifer H says
February 25, 2011 at 8:49 pmI would have to say my husband.
Lynne says
February 25, 2011 at 9:04 pmMy daughter Audrey has the biggest heart. She always puts the needs of others before her own and never holds a grudge… Thing is -she’s only 8
Lindsey B says
February 25, 2011 at 9:47 pmMy mom has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She has so much love for my family and her friends, I don’t know how she can manage all she does!
Emily says
February 25, 2011 at 9:59 pmmy three year old son has the biggest heart.
he loves to throw his arms around my neck and say “mama, you are my best friend!”
Sarah says
February 25, 2011 at 10:18 pmMy 5 year old niece has the hugest heart. She is so childlike and innocent. Her love for everyone is unconditional. She has no reservations with showing her love for the world and people around her. I envy her spirit and love for this world.
Barb says
February 25, 2011 at 10:37 pmMy husband has the biggest heart. He also is my biggest supporter.
Amie says
February 25, 2011 at 11:31 pmWow, good question. I have so many people in my life with a big heart! I would have to say that the women I teach are amazing. They are patient, kind, and loving to their students and parents. It takes a special person to work with young children and I am surrounded by special people!
Shelley says
February 26, 2011 at 1:35 amMy eight year-old daughter, Kylie. She loves everyone plus all animals. Except maybe spiders. But she will still snuggle and cuddle with me, which is more than I can say for teenagers.
Melodee says
February 26, 2011 at 3:18 amMy husband, for sure.
PurpleGirl says
February 26, 2011 at 3:34 amI think my dad has the biggest heart of anyone in my life; he drives me crazy sometimes, but he can almost never tell anyone no. He spends so much of time his time doing other things for other people that he hardly has time for himself.
Krista says
February 26, 2011 at 3:48 amMy grandma is one special lady, she will do anything for her family. I love her so much.
Sandy says
February 26, 2011 at 4:49 amAs infuriating as my sister Vicky seemed to me as children, I am forced to admit that she is hands down the person with the bigger and more giving heart.
Rah says
February 26, 2011 at 7:52 amMy friend Hal. He’s very accepting, always supportive of everyone, very respectful to anyone he meets, always there when things get hard, very giving.
Alissa says
February 26, 2011 at 8:56 amMy Mom has the biggest heart of anyone that I know. She’s always rooting for the underdog!
Lydia C says
February 26, 2011 at 11:15 amOur friend Scott Mitchell. My husband has MS, and so Scott comes from a long way away and mows our yard all the time. He does a lot of other stuff, too, which proves that he has the biggest heart in the universe. He’s always trying to figure out nice things to do for people and say to people to make them feel better, whatever’s troubling them.
Also, Mike Mead, a local fireman, for many, many reasons. He’s beautiful inside and out.
Wendy M says
February 26, 2011 at 11:39 amMy sister! She would adopt all of the children in the world if her house would hold them. She will give of herself to anyone without asking anything in return. She has been an amazing friend to me and a wonderful Aunt to my children. She sets an example for all about how to love unconditionally.
Elizabeth in WV says
February 26, 2011 at 11:42 amMy husband! He’s so encouraging to me in my weight loss journey and with my journey through nursing school!
Shannon D says
February 26, 2011 at 11:55 amMy great aunt has to have the biggest heart in the world. My family on all sides has so many tragedies and she lost her daughter 2 yrs ago (my cousin, same age as me) and yet she still has the biggest smile and the biggest sense of calm that I have never seen in anyone else. She is so strong, still keeps her faith and still has room to help and listen to anyone who needs it. The world needs more people like her!!!!
Stephanie M. says
February 26, 2011 at 12:38 pmMy mom. No doubt about it.
Mary Jean says
February 26, 2011 at 1:01 pmMy husband. He’s been with me for 36 years, does everything he can for his friends, watches the grandkids (Papa daycare) and COOKS!!! He’s the best!!
Jennifer says
February 26, 2011 at 3:22 pmDefinitely My Mother (and Father) – they both have Huge hearts and I want to be just like them when I grow up ;)
Janna says
February 26, 2011 at 4:07 pmWITHOUT A DOUBT…my stepmom. I am so glad she found her way into my dad’s life…because mine won’t ever be the same!
Congrats again on your book…I picked up my copy today :)
Shelli says
February 26, 2011 at 4:20 pmMy sister-in-law has the biggest heart. She tirelessly takes care of her husband who has Lou Gehrig’s disease and rarely complains. She’s the true example of “in sickness and in health…until death do us part”.
Lindsey says
February 26, 2011 at 4:49 pmMy mom has the biggest heart in the world. Everything she does she does for other people.
Ruth says
February 26, 2011 at 7:23 pmMy cousin Vicki. She has been a hospice nurse for thirty years.
Linda says
February 26, 2011 at 7:58 pmMy husband has the biggest heart. He is the sweetest, kindest, cutest guy ever! He is always trying to help other people and has a soft heart.
tess says
February 27, 2011 at 12:13 ammy mom, always willing and able to help
Monique says
February 27, 2011 at 12:54 amMy brother. He’s always taken care of me, his family, and our mom. He puts everyone else first, and he always shows kindness and patience despite pressure on himself.
Kaley says
February 27, 2011 at 6:54 amMy parents have the biggest heart. No matter what struggle my brother and I are going through they are alway there for us. They are very generous, compassionate, fun to be around and my best friends.
Mike says
February 27, 2011 at 7:55 amMy mom had an incredibly huge heart. She passed from breast cancer and even though she was sick, she would be worrying about everyone. A real special person.
Bobbi says
February 27, 2011 at 8:56 amI’d have to say my mom, for sure. Though she is no longer here, she is still very much in my life. She was the sweetest, most loving, nicest person I have ever known. I miss her to the moon and back!
Becky Brandon says
February 27, 2011 at 10:31 amMy husband has the biggest heart. Last night I was very sick — the flu is going around — and he took care of both our little boys. He ran to the drugstore to get me some medicine, and he tucked me in. He is so kind to me when I’m sick! His heart is three times bigger than mine.
Shaunta says
February 27, 2011 at 10:51 amMy daughter, Adrienne, has the biggest heart I know of. She is always ready to help other people, always thinking of things with compassion. It’s rare for a high school student to care so much about the feelings of others, and her kindness makes me so proud everyday.
Theresa says
February 27, 2011 at 11:10 amMy husband. He loves me pretty much unconditionally; which is special and difficult to do.
Jessica says
February 27, 2011 at 1:02 pmWithout a doubt…my partner in love and life for the past 3+ years, Jesse.
He has stood by my side through every doctor appt, medical procedure, hospitalization and surgery over the past couple years.
He helps in raising my children and running our household when I am too sick to even get out of bed.
He gives all of himself without asking for anything in return.
He is my rock and I honestly can say…I don’t know what I’d do without him!
Lisa says
February 27, 2011 at 1:17 pmThat award would have to go to my husband. After 25 years in the Army (which has taken a severe toll on his health and body) he is retiring and (his words) “dedicating the rest of his life to his family”. (which to me means “yay, he will finally get to actually see his children on Christmas morning, or *heehee* take them to the doctor for shots instead of mean-old-mommy!”)
Jamie says
February 27, 2011 at 3:26 pmMy mom has the biggest heart for how she loves my kids! :-) Thanks for hosting!
Dawn Geske says
February 27, 2011 at 3:48 pmMy mom has the biggest heart. No matter what I do, say or how bad I screw up she keeps on forgiving and forgetting. And, I am surprised everytime at her ability to do this. The woman doesn’t hold a grudge, throw it in your face or remind you of it again. Her motto is “move on” and we do. That takes heart.
Robyn says
February 27, 2011 at 4:36 pmMy grandma who taught me to love arts and crafts and took me on long walks outside.
Jennifer says
February 27, 2011 at 5:11 pmMy best friend, Heather, for sure. Her modesty prevents her from seeing just how wonderful and giving she is, but it is amazing to witness how much she helps her fellow man.
Sarah P. says
February 27, 2011 at 5:59 pmMy husband has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He would do anything for anybody. I married a good one!
Amy says
February 27, 2011 at 8:13 pmMy Mom has the biggest heart in the world!!
Ashley says
February 27, 2011 at 8:57 pmMy friend has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She gave birth to a little girl 9 months ago who only lived for 2 days. She has been incredibly strong and and advocate in the fight against the rare genetic disorder that her daughter faced.
Dottie says
February 27, 2011 at 9:10 pmMy beautiful daughter, Lindsey.
Mich says
February 27, 2011 at 9:26 pmMy sister.
Becky says
February 27, 2011 at 10:08 pmMy hubby :) It amazes me how he always sees the best in people, and never holds grudges. And he loves me more than I ever would have fathomed!
Cori Bravo says
February 28, 2011 at 12:42 amDefinitely my mom. She not only has a huge heart, but is also the most selfless person I know. She will give you everything she has if she thinks it will help you. (Needless to say, my son is quite spoiled) :)
Patience says
February 28, 2011 at 8:30 amMy parents have two huge hearts between them — always willing to lend a listening ear and a helping hand. I don’t think there was anything they wouldn’t have done for the four of us growing up, and even now that they are both into their 80’s they remain active, involved, interested and forever supportive….
Jackie Gambill says
February 28, 2011 at 9:53 amMy husband is my heart and soul. He would do anything for me!
Katherine says
February 28, 2011 at 10:00 amMy Dad. He helps everyone in the family, runs three businesses and still manages to be the perfect Dad. My hero!
Poppy K says
February 28, 2011 at 10:34 amAbsolutely my husband has the biggest heart – he can’t say no to any request for help.
Kate says
February 28, 2011 at 11:36 amMy dog has the biggest heart of anyone I know – he loves everyone he meets, regardless of appearance, economic status, age, etc. He can, however, be swayed by the presence of food.
Lindsay says
February 28, 2011 at 12:03 pmthe people with the biggest hearts are my parents. After they finished raising their three children they became foster parents. They adopted the first two kids to walk through their door and currently have three foster children (in addition to the two adopted). Five kids, ages 15 yrs to 17 months….talk about heart!
Star says
February 28, 2011 at 1:34 pmMy family as a whole
Jan says
February 28, 2011 at 5:32 pmThat would have to be my 16 year old Golden Retriever Aspen. He’s the sweetest dog in the world…he’s all heart!
Jessica says
February 28, 2011 at 7:53 pmMy husband. He loves me unconditionally and is so supportive!
Eve says
February 28, 2011 at 9:09 pmMy mother has the biggest heart because she gives so much to all of us and she is supportive
shopgurl101 at gmail dot com
ann peloquin says
February 28, 2011 at 10:39 pmBig hearted? That would be my dog!