“We educate the public on knowing their risks, knowing their lifestyle factors and knowing what they can do to lead a healthier lifestyle.”
EVENT INFO The Corpus Christi Heart Walk is going to be on Saturday, October 3rd at 8:00 am at Whataburger Field. The Heart Walk is a 3.1 mile non-competitive event. It starts outside of Whataburger Field, then takes off toward the Water Gardens and along Shoreline Blvd., eventually returning back to Whataburger Field where there are all kinds of fun booths throughout the concourse. Stay after and visit the CPR tent, the Kids Zone, the Top Walker area, the Food tent, and more! Check-in: 10/3/2015 7:30 am - 8:00 am Welcome Ceremony: 10/3/2015 8:00 am - 8:30 am Heart Walk: 10/3/2015 8:30 am - 11:00 am Free: No Fees BUT Walkers are eligible for a Heart Walk t-shirt once they have raised a minimum of $100. Nationally sponsored by Subway. HEB is the Signature Presenting Sponsor this year. The Caller Times, HEB and AEP have all provided sponsorship dollars to help fund this year’s Heart Walk
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he American Heart Association, founded in 1924, has conducted a Heart Walk in Corpus Christi for the past 15 years. The non-competitive 5k walk, which originated in New England approximately 20 years ago, is “the American Heart Association’s premier community fundraising event,” explains Rosalyn Mandola, Communications Director for the American Heart Association. The walk, which provides participants with an opportunity to share their stories and commiserate with others who have similar experiences, helps raise money to combat the country’s number 1 and 3 killers, heart disease and stroke.
Companies can form a team with their employees, individuals can walk on their own, form a team with family and friends, or join an existing team. “There’s a lot of different ways to get involved,” says Mandola. Last year 1,000 people participated in the Heart Walk. The goal this year is 2,000. The expanded goal for participants and fundraising is due to Executive Director Erin Wilder. “It’s under her leadership that we have been growing the Heart Walk and that it’s been as successful as it has been,” explains Mandola. The increased success of the walk allows participants to reach others and share life-altering advice. Survivor Steve Moody stresses the importance of being in charge of your own medical care. “You have to be proactive and be your biggest advocate for good health,” he says. Moody, who watched his father die from complications stemming from prolonged, untreated high blood pressure. A minor abnormality at a yearly physical prompted Moody to request a follow-up with a cardiologist. That specialist discovered he, by all outward appearances a healthy individual, was also a sufferer of high blood pressure. He underwent triple bypass surgery in 2010 and has been involved in the walk ever since. Moody appreciates the chance the walk has given him to meet, “with others who have been through this same experience and worse.” This sense of community for those involved is tremendous. “You get to see all these other stories, all these other individuals who are fighting the same fight,” explains Mandola. The same companies and survivors walk year after year, with new participants joining the ranks. “That’s the real reason we have the Heart Walk. To help people take ownership of their health and feel excited about it,” says Mandola.
“This year our goal is to raise $325,000, which is kind of huge for Corpus Christi,” says Mandola. Seventy-five cents of every dollar raised stays in the community and is used to bolster a variety of programs. Education, research, outreach programs and advocacy initiatives all benefit. “We educate the public on knowing their risks, knowing their lifestyle factors and knowing what they can do to lead a healthier lifestyle,” explains Mandola. This year’s Heart Walk will be held October 3rd. Kicking off at Whataburger Field, participants will head to the Water Gardens, continue up Shoreline, and complete their walk back at Whataburger Field, which will house various booths.
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“This year our goal is to raise $325,000, which is kind of huge for Corpus Christi,” says Mandola. Seventy-five cents of every dollar raised stays in the community and is used to bolster a variety of programs.
Heart Walk Customer Care Team, 1-866-430-9255 SWACustomerService@Heart.org