We are shedding a spotlight on The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. We speak with his wife and fellow actor Amy Yasbeck along with medical-surgical nurse Tonka Williams. September 15th - 21st is Aortic Dissection Awareness Week. The John Ritter Foundation was established to prevent unnecessary suffering caused by aortic dissection, which claimed the life of beloved actor John Ritter over 20 years ago. The foundation focuses on Health equity and aortic dissection's disproportionate impact on Black Americans.

Listen to the Full Interview Here!

For more than 20 years, The John Ritter Foundation has remained committed to our goal of raising awareness and changing outcomes. John Ritter — beloved actor, husband, father, and friend — was a son of the singing cowboy star Tex Ritter and the father of actors Jason and Tyler Ritter. He is best known for playing Jack Tripper on the ABC sitcom Three's Company, and received a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for the role in 1984. Ritter also had other prominent roles in films such as Stephen King's It, Noises Off, and the Problem Child franchise, along with television shows like Clifford the Big Red Dog and 8 Simple Rules. 

In 2003, John Ritter died suddenly due to a misdiagnosed thoracic aortic dissection. Since that time, his family and loved ones have worked to ensure his legacy helps save the lives of others. Join us as we work to fund research, provide Education, and raise awareness of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Together we can save lives.

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An aortic dissection is a serious condition in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body's main artery (aorta). Blood rushes through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to split (dissect). If the blood goes through the outside aortic wall, aortic dissection is often deadly.

Amy Yasbeck: Actor, Writer, and Founder of The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health 

If you grew up on 90s films, then you have seen Amy Yasbeck and her iconic red hair! Amy Yasbeck has appeared extensively on both the big and small screens. Her feature film work includes The Mask, Robin Hood Men in Tights, Problem Child, and Pretty Woman. Her television work includes numerous guest star and series work: most notably her role as Casey in NBC’s long-running hit comedy Wings. Ms. Yasbeck was married to legendary comic actor John Ritter who succumbed to a misdiagnosed acute aortic dissection in 2003. Since that time, she has devoted herself to promoting awareness of this devastating disease.

Tonka Williams, MHA, MSN, RN, CMSRN

Tonka Williams is a highly accomplished medical-surgical nurse with over 20 years of dedicated service in Healthcare. As a Senior Nursing Director in Washington, DC, and a national leader with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Tonka has made significant contributions to the field. Tonka is also a passionate advocate for Health equity, inclusion, and diversity, particularly within Black communities. Her dedication to addressing disparities in treatment and care has been a hallmark of her career, and her firsthand experiences have made her an iNFLuential leader in driving meaningful change in the Healthcare sector. Tonka's leadership, advocacy, and dedication to these critical issues make her an inspiring figure in the Healthcare community.