Aortic Dissection Awareness Week
September 14-20, 2025
Aortic Dissection Awareness Week is dedicated to saving lives through education, advocacy, and action. Inspired by the life and legacy of John Ritter, we are committed to sharing knowledge about the signs, risks, and prevention of aortic dissection—because awareness is the first step toward survival.
Free Webinar
Take Action, Be Active: How to Exercise Safely At Home
Remember: Listen to your body, not your heart monitor. Staying active is important—but it can feel tricky if you’re living with or at risk for an aortic aneurysm or dissection.
Join us on September 16 at 7 EDT/6 CDT for a free webinar with Dr. Prakash, where you’ll learn safe, practical ways to move and breathe from home.
We’ll cover easy breathing techniques, common exercise questions, and simple modifications you can start using right away. Whether you’re looking to stay fit, build confidence, or adapt your workouts, you’ll leave with tools that work for your body.
Ritter Rules
Check out our recently refreshed Ritter Rules!
The Ritter Rules were created over a decade ago by The John Ritter Foundation and our close medical advisors to make the daunting science of aortic disease easier to understand.
Earlier this year, we launched the first of a series of updated Ritter Rules based on the 2022 AHA/ACC Guidelines. Endorsed by our Professional Advisory Board of aortic experts in multiple disciplines, this version is written for patients and their families and is available in a digital guidebook and print format. in both Spanish and English.
Check out our recent Ritter Rules webinar with Dr Estera and Dr Eagle on Youtube.
Community Meet Ups
MEET UP #1: LONE TREE
Hosted by: Amy Derksen and Jill Smith, 11:00-1:00PM
California Pizza Kitchen
8343 S Park Meadows Center
Lone Tree, CO 80124
September 14, 2025, from 11:00-10:00PM
MEET UP #2: SACRAMENTO
Hosted by: Stephen Falwell
Temple Coffee Roasters
2600 Fair Oaks Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95864
September 17, 2025, 5:00-8:00PM
MEET UP #3: HOUSTON
Hosted by: Bella Marin and Paula McKenzie
3151 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77025
September 19, 2025 from 4:00-8:00PM
Community Meet Ups
MEET UP #4: PHILADELPHIA
Hosted by: Hannah Deutsch Dig
140 S 36th Street, Phili, PA 19104
September 19, 2025, ALL DAY
MEET UP #5: CHICAGO
Hosted by: Heide and Noah Padilla
City’s Edge
5310 W. Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
September 20, 2025 from 12:00-4:00PM
MEET UP #6: BOSTON
Everett, MA, September 21, 2025
Night Shift Brewing, Everett Taproom
87 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Aorta Advocate will be present from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Stay Connected
This week, we’ll be sharing educational resources, family stories, and aortic facts over on our social channels! Be sure to follow along. We’d love for you to repost any piece of education with your community.
Stronger Together
We are stronger when we work together! This ADAW we’ve teamed up with our friends to spread awareness and bring education to the cause near to all our hearts. Each day, our organizations will share educational information on aortic dissections on our social media channels.
Happy Birthday John
This ADAW, we celebrate another one of John Ritter’s birthdays without him. And while John is gone, he lives on through his family, his work, and the impact of The John Ritter Foundation.
To celebrate what would have been his 77th birthday, a gift of $77 can help advance the mission of The John Ritter Foundation.
