The Richmond Heart Walk, held Saturday, September 28, 2013, at Brown’s Island in Richmond raised $725,000 with donations still being collected until late November 2013 (www.richmondvaheartwalk.org).
Participants took to the one- or three-and-a-half mile routes around the Island to help raise awareness for heart disease and to support the education, programs and research goals of the American Heart Association. Teams representing local businesses, universities and community groups walked together with brightly colored matching shirts to show their unity.
“Cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the leading causes of death among men and women. All it takes is 30 minutes of exercise a day to put someone on track to a stronger, healthier and longer life” said Heart Walk chair and CEO of Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, Mark Gordon. “I thank all the walkers, volunteers and sponsors who made this a very successful event.”
By featuring Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, children’s activities, health screenings and other educational exhibits, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about their risks for cardiovascular diseases and to improve their health.
During the opening ceremonies, Andrea Woie, AHA volunteer and heart attack survivor at age 32, shared her story with the crowd. She emphasized the importance of knowing your family history for heart diseases and applauded the AHA’s Go Red for Women movement for educating millions of women about their risks for heart disease and stroke over the past 10 years. Nineteen-year-old Kristen Cox detailed her battle with a congenital heart defect since 18 months old. Five open heart surgeries and six cardiac catheterizations later, Kristen is thankful for the cardiovascular research funded by the American Heart Association, which has contributed to the medical advances making it possible for her to live a long and healthy life.
Also during the opening ceremonies, winners of the inaugural movin’ mania Kids’ Lifestyle Changes Awards were announced. These youths and teens were recognized for eating healthier, becoming more active or encouraging their friends or family to get more heart healthy with them. Winners of the youth categories were Dayne Drake from Richmond and Mikayla Green from Chesterfield. They received bicycles courtesy of Agee’s Bicycles. The teen winner was Karrah Bauserman from Mechanicsville, and the People’s Choice winner was Kayla Bender from Richmond. Karrah and Kayla received Redskins jerseys and VIP tickets to the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center.
The Richmond Heart Walk was presented nationally by Subway and Jenny Craig and locally by My Heart. My Life. Richmond sponsors were Bon Secours Richmond Health System and Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc.
Tax-deductible donations are still being accepted online at www.richmondvaheartwalk.org or by calling 804-965-6585. Please help the Richmond Heart Walk meet its goal of $750,000 for lifesaving research, programs and education in our community.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in communities across America. These diseases devastate millions of Americans of all ages and cause nearly 950,000 deaths each year. To prevent, treat and defeat these diseases, the association funds breakthrough research, educates the public and health professionals, and advocates for healthier communities. More information on the American Heart Association can be found at www.americanheart.org.
Contact: Michelle McLees, 804-965-6505, michelle.mclees@heart.org
