Vejdemo: Spreading the word about heart health

MONTREAL - Almost nine years after losing his mother, Ann-Charlotte, to a heart attack, Swedish prospect Lukas Vejdemo is out to spread the word about cardiovascular health.

The country's
Heart-Lung Foundation
recently invited the 22-year-old forward to share his story on their Web site and on social media as part of a campaign leading up to Mother's Day, which takes place on Sunday in Sweden.
Last Monday, Vejdemo revealed on Instagram (
@lukasvejdemo
) that he also made a donation to the organization in Ann-Charlotte's memory.
She was just 50 years old when she passed away in August 2009. Lukas was just 13.

"The most important thing for me is to spread the message and encourage others to also support the cause," said Vejdemo. "Together, we can all contribute and make a difference."
According to Vejdemo, his mother went into cardiac arrest at home. "Everything just went so fast" after that.
"I came home after a practice and we sat down to have a good family dinner. But during dinner my mom began to feel bad. After that, it only got worse and worse," recalled Vejdemo. "Before the ambulance arrived, her heart stopped."

The Stockholm native, who signed a two-year entry-level contract three weeks ago, certainly has fond memories of the time they did get to spend together.
"She was the best mother, always stood up for me and helped me in all kinds of situations," mentioned Vejdemo. "I remember when I was younger and I finished school, my mother often picked me up and we went for long walks with our dog, Sui. I still remember those walks today… She helped me a lot with small and big things, too. She drove me to practice a lot because my dad often worked late. She always supported me."

And for that, Vejdemo will be eternally grateful.
"I visit her grave sometimes and talk with her," he concluded. "Maybe she hears what I'm saying, maybe not. For me, though, that time is important."