Take Your Heart for a Walk

March 13, 2011
By: Stacy Sawyer

What are you doing with your family, friends and co-workers on Saturday, May 14??? You should be planning to attend the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. It's the premier fundraising event of the Heart Association and this year is moving to Dow Diamond in Midland.


Each year, community members and businesses organize teams to participate in the Heart Walk to raise money for heart disease and stroke research - the no. 1 and no. 3 killers of Americans. In addition to raising dollars, the walk also encourages participants to add physical activity and heart-healthy choices to their daily lives.

Family and friends, along with organizations are encouraged to build teams. "We are proud to be a part of the Heart Walk," said Leslie Perry of Dow Corning and chairperson of the 2011 Heart Walk of Great Lakes Bay Region. "The Heart Walk is a great opportunity for Dow Corning and all area businesses to fight heart disease and promote healthy, active lifestyles."

The Heart Walk begins at 8:30a.m. with registration, a short program at 9:00a.m. and should wrap up around 11:00am. It is a noncompetitive 5K walking event. If you are unable to walk the distance, the Heart Association will make arrangements for you. Walkers are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 each. Each participant that raises $100 or more gets a free t-shirt.

The dollars raised fund life saving research. In the past five years the Association has funded more than $20 million in research right here in Michigan. American Heart Association research has led to many medical advancements including CPR, pacemakers, bypass surgery, and life-extending drugs like clot-busters.

The Heart Walk is nationally sponsored by Subway Restaurants. Media Sponsors include The Bay City Times, The Saginaw News, Midland Daily News, Joe FM, CW 46 and NBC 25.

"We want everyone to know that they can make a difference," stated Perry. "We're encouraging businesses, family and friends to build teams and start fundraising today." For more information about the Heart Walk, contact the American Heart Association at 1-800- 968-1040 or visit www.heart.org/greatlakesbayregion

Stacy Sawyer
Communications Director -- American Heart Association 989-225-7513 (cell) 517-349-3240 (fax)

I invite your questions and feedback