Blogging For Good: American Heart Association Heart Walk


Today I’m writing about a subject close to my heart (hopefully not literally): cardiovascular disease. Chances are it’s touched someone in you life—it’s the #1 killer of all Americans and takes a life every 38 seconds. Boom—three or four people will be gone by the time you finish reading this post.

It’s a killer that has devastated my family too many times. The Father-In-Law I never knew died after his fifth heart attack—my husband was just fifteen. Weeks after I met my husband, it struck down his step-father while he sailed upon the open seas. And recently, the disease stole my son’s beloved “Beach Papa” far, far too early. Strokes have dealt a crippling  blow to family members, as well.

Several friends have children struggling with genetic heat diseases. Every part of their family’s lives are impacted by their conditions, and their bravery, compassion, and resilience never ceases to amaze me. They handle each new crisis with inspiring dignity and strength. They deserve a healthier future.

Such close tragedies have opened our eyes to the risks of not only an unhealthy lifestyle but genetics. Though we eat healthy, exercise, and don’t smoke, my thin, athletic husband must carefully monitor his blood pressure and cholesterol. When we married, he vowed to live a year past 48, the age of his father when he died. I vehemently informed him that was not a part of our deal; I expected at least another 48 years together. 


This family will not become another statistic. 

That’s why we support the American Heart Association.



HeartHub for Patients


American Heart Association Missions: By 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent.

 

How you can help:


  • The 2012 Greater Orlando Heart Walk is THIS Saturday, September 15th, 2012. 
  • You can still register for the 3.1 mile route or the 1 mile “Survivor” walk around beautiful Loch Haven Park. 
  • Festivities begin at 7 a.m.  — Walk at 8 a.m.
  • Can’t make it? Please consider making a donation in a participant’s name.



The Greater Orlando Heart Walk is a major fundraising event for the American Heart Association. At the time of posting, the generous people of Central Florida have raised just over 1 million dollars towards the event goal of 1.4 million. Funds raised help to:






  • Raise awareness. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women over age 25, but many women don’t make their own health a priority.
  • Groundbreaking pediatric heart and stroke research. About 36,000 babies are born with heart defects each year —research is the key to saving babies’ lives.
  • Get life-saving information to those who need it most – information that can save a life, like how to eat better, how to recognize the warning signs of heart attack, and how to talk to a doctor about critical health choices. 
  • Put up-to-the-minute research into doctors’ hands so they can better prevent and treat heart disease among patients.
  • Advocate for better health. AHA’s nationwide volunteer network, You’re The Cure, advocates for key issues at the national, state and local levels such as requiring physical education in schools, clean air legislation and making AEDs mandatory in public buildings.
  • Reach out to populations at risk. Blacks have higher risk and higher death rates from stroke than whites. Our Power To End Stroke education/awareness initiative helps African Americans share information to reduce their risk of stroke. More than 23,000 key opinion leaders, including mayors, professors, ministers and celebrities, have been recruited to be ambassadors working within their own community.
  • Protect the future. Nearly one in three children and teens in the U.S. is overweight or obese. As a result, more kids than ever before are developing high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. AHA is helping kids develop lifelong healthy habits and working to make sure that today’s children can grow up to be tomorrow’s healthy adults.

  • Don’t live in Central Florida?  
    Click here to find the American Heart Association Heart Walk near you. 
    Join with over a million people in 300+ cities taking a stand against heart disease
     and helping to save lives.

    Support this amazing organization. Walk the walk. Support other walkers. 
    Donate to AHA. 

     Or
     Buy a raffle ticket as a part of the Blogging for Good campaign.
    For just $10 you have a chance to win this wonderful basket worth over $150.

    • $50 gift certificate to Shula’s in Lake Mary
    • Bottle of Red Wine
    • American Heart Association Cookbook
    • $50 gift certificate to the Spa at Thorton Park


     100% of proceeds go to AHA.


    Your heart will thank you.



    **Please help spread the word about this important cause. Tweet, Facebook, Pin, and share this post. You can make a difference.

    I am writing this as part of a contest for the CFL Blog Conference and the Rollins Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center.  I stand 100% behind the Greater Orlando Heart Walk and the American Heart Association.


    5 thoughts on “Blogging For Good: American Heart Association Heart Walk

    1. John Gatesby

      Worst part is that, heart attack is a silent killer, oftentimes people mistook the symptoms as those related to acidity and stomach related issues. Regular checkup and monitoring is important.

      Reply
    2. David

      Thanks for sharing such an important post. Now a days Heart disease has become a great threat to humankind.“For a Child’s Heart” has been started with the goal of helping children with congenital heart disease seeking treatment at National Heart Foundation and Research Institute (NHF). The NHF Cardiac Team is renowned for providing excellent care at subsidized costs.

      Reply
    3. Cynthia @ Activefamilychiroaz

      Blogging for good can be a powerful way to raise awareness and support for important causes like the American Heart Association Heart Walk. By sharing your voice and your message, you can help inspire others to take action and make a difference in the world.

      Reply

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