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More than 1,000 people participate in Heart Walk
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. To raise awareness of that fact, more than 1,000 people filled the Watson & Tressel Training Site at Youngstown State University for the annual Tri-County Heart Walk.
The Saturday walk is a fundraiser for the association, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.
“It’s a celebration of life and all of the work that goes into fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Sean Dreher, American Heart Association communications director.
The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $280,000. Based on money collected so far, Dreher said he expects they will exceed that amount.
Heart-disease survivors were honored at the event. Adult survivors were given red caps to wear, while children were given capes. And those who lost their battle were remembered.
The event is important, said the chairman of this year’s event, Kevin Helmick.
Heart attack is the leading cause of death in this country, and stroke is the fifth, he noted. The walk educates people about healthy lifestyles and raises funds for research and development about congenital heart defects.
This is the fourth year Helmick has participated in the tri-county walk. It’s personal for his family, he said.
His son, Preston, 5, was born with hypo-plastic left heart syndrome (an underdeveloped left side of the heart). By the time he was 2, he had undergone four surgeries.
“He’s doing great,” Helmick said. “He plays Tee-ball, golfs and swims.”
Teams of walkers, many wearing matching T-shirts, circled the track at WATTS. Some walked throughout the YSU campus, as well.
Sheila Donnadio, of Canfield, and Melissa Bennett, of Howland, both part of the ValleyCare Health System of Ohio team, have participated in the walk for three years.
“We want the community to see that our organization ... is very supportive of the cause,” Bennett said. “It’s a great event.”
Donnadio agreed.
“It’s good for the community,” she said. “It’s good to have everybody come out and see the services that the different facilities have to offer, locally.”
Organizations provided information at tables set up along the track.
Jim Johnstone of Boardman joined his workplace’s team, and brought his family along. They were on Joe Dickey Electric Co. team.
“Any time there’s a cause like this, I like to participate and give back,” Johnstone said.
The family participated two years ago, as well.
Johnstone’s wife, Sarah, said it’s important to get the kids involved in community events.
Ryley, 9, enjoyed the event.
“I think it’s fun, and I like to be here,” she said.
Their other children, Haley, 6, and Brayden, 4, also participated.