Heart walk’s aim is to slow leading killer
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Sponsored locally by River Park Hospital, the American Heart Association event will be one of 1,000 taking place nation wide to combat the diseases that kill more than 950,000 Americans each year. Between 300 and 500 local walkers will join 350,000 walkers across the country who collect money from friends, family and co-workers to benefit cardiovascular research.
Some 25 area businesses, including Bridgestone and Oster, are promoting employee health and wellness by organizing walking teams. “Supporting the American Heart Walk makes good business sense,” said Regina Templeton, whose son, Josh, had open-heart surgery when he was only 4 days old. “The economic cost of heart disease and stroke in 1996 totaled over $137 billion for medical and healthcare expenses and lost productivity due to disability.”
The businesses have organized 40 teams of 10 employees each who will walk the three-mile route. The fund-raising goal is $100 per walker, or $1,000 per team. In return for their efforts, each walker who raises $100 or more will receive an American Heart Walk T-shirt and other “thank you” gifts.
Organizers hope to gross $49,000 from these and other individual donations. They hope to raise an additional $25,000 from local business sponsors.
Sunday’s Heart Walk will be held in memory of David Stalcup, a McMinnville Police officer who died in March of a massive heart attack. To be honored Sunday are the brother and sister team of David Mayfield and Jalesia Johnson. Mayfield is a heart attack survivor while Johnson has had open-heart surgery.
Additional honorees include all heart disease, stroke and heart surgery survivors who will be honored with special red caps to show they’re fighting back against the deadly diseases.
American Heart Association regional director Brandon Powell said there are still places for additional walking teams. For more information call him at 1-888-352-3824 ext. 4117.