UD fields 150 for Heart Walk

4:53 p.m., Sept. 14, 2004--More than 150 members of the UD community joined a team of 3,000-plus volunteers to participate in the 13th annual American Heart Walk on Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Riverfront Walkway in Wilmington.

The American Heart Walk, which is held annually in more than 1,000 cities across the country, raises millions and focuses on heart disease and stroke prevention by involving members of local communities in a healthy, fun activity. The money raised helps to support the American Heart Association’s research, local community service and public education programs.

Marianne Carter, director of employee wellness and co-coordinator of the event, said it was exciting to see such a large number of students and staff turning out to support this year’s American Heart Walk.

"As a health educator, I applaud the work done by the American Heart Association to reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke,” Carter said. “Funds raised by the walk will further their efforts in the areas of research and prevention."

While UD participants sporting T-shirts, designed by Barbara Stein in the Office of Public Relations, enjoyed the fair skies and comfortable temperatures, many joined UD’s favorite feathered volunteer, YoUDee, in a series of stretching exercises before stepping off on the three-mile course.

"It was wonderful to see UD students, faculty, staff and friends coming together to support such a worthwhile cause," event co-coordinator Richie Holland, manager in Human Resources, said. "It’s also great for Human Resources to partner with the Employee Wellness Center on this campus-wide initiative."

Several members of the UD community also shared their reasons for participating in the event, which last year raised $23 million nationwide.

Mary Ann McLane, an associate professor of medical technology, said that, as a researcher, she appreciates the support of the American Heart Association in the battle against heart disease.

“When I came to UD in 1996, I had a research grant from the American Heart Association,” McLane said. “I am aware of the difference that funding from an organization like the American Heart Association can make in aiding the efforts of new and established researchers.”

McLane said that she also has addressed members of various support groups for individuals who recently experienced open-heart or by-pass surgery.

“I tell them about my research and the things that are being done with the money given by the American Heart Association,” McLane said. “I am very much indebted to the American Heart Association for the help they have given me over the years.”

Chelsea Saunders, a neuroscience major from Ellicott City, Md., near Baltimore, remembered her dad, who died of a heart attack at 36 years of age.

“I was 8 years old, in the third grade when it happened, and it was a shock. I think my father’s father also died of a heart attack,” Saunders said. “I want to make people aware of how important it is to stay healthy—you only have one body, and you only have one life.”

Patty Fogg, a human resources administrator in Facilities, said that the death of her mother in July from a massive heart attack and the challenges faced by her father, who has a long history of coronary-vascular-related health problems, made her aware of the importance of the contributions by organizations like the American Heart Association.

“We need to be more aware of the seriousness of heart disease, which is the number one killer in our country,” Fogg said. “My goal this year was to get 10 individuals in Facilities to come out for the event, and we did. This definitely is a great cause.”

Approximately 1 million Americans die from cardiovascular disease each year, and nearly 68 million Americans have at least one form of heart or blood vessel disease, according to the American Heart Association. The organization has set a goal of reducing coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent by the year 2010.

Article by Jerry Rhodes
YoUDee art by Barbara Stein
Photos by Kevin Tucker

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