2,000 expected for Heart Walk

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — More than 2,000 Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull County residents are expected to take part in Saturday’s American Heart Association’s 2009 Start! Heart Walk at Youngstown State University’s track. The walk, which begins at 9 a.m., raises funds to support heart disease and stroke research and educational programs in the greater Youngstown community.

Teams are made up of employees of local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages. The event includes refreshments and a brief opening ceremony.

The 2009 Heart Child, 8-year-old Tabitha Fiorenza of Struthers, will also be present. Her heart- transplant story has been shared with the local communities to raise awareness that heart disease affects everyone, regardless of age, AHA officials said. Dr. Alyce Martin, Start! Heart Walk chairwoman, said this year’s local fund- raising goal is $249,000.

For information on participating in the Start! Heart Walk, area residents can call the American Heart Association at (330) 318-1002.