Lifestyle Change
Walk for Healthy Hearts
L
Jeremy Godwin shows his support at the 2010 Cape Fear Heart Walk.
years 11 Celebrating
Anniversary
Special!
Call for details
NEW LOCATION!
Lumina Commons, next to Harris Teeter
1962 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, N.C. 28403
16
WBM october 2013
by KELLY CORBETT
ed by red hat survivors, the Cape Fear Heart Walk provides an opportunity for families
affected by heart disease and stroke to come together and raise money for
research and advocacy programs.
The Heart Walk is one of the largest fundraising events held by the American
Heart Association, with more than 300 walks annually throughout the United States, says Ashley
Miller, director of corporate relations of the Cape Fear chapter of the American Heart Association.
The three-mile walk will take place on Saturday, October 19, at 10 a.m., at the University of North
Carolina Wilmington athletic track field, across from Trask Coliseum.
“We don’t just hit one segment of the population, because heart disease is the No. 1 killer of
men and women and of all ages,” Miller says. “There’s just no one I know that’s not affected by
heart disease and stroke, whether it’s yourself or your family.”
Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects, and strokes are the No. 4 cause of
death in the United States.
“One thing at this heart walk that we’re really going to focus on is strokes,” Miller says. “The African
American population, 34 to 54, is more susceptible to strokes than any other population.”
The Wilmington walk has been held for more than 20 years. In 2012, more than 1,800 partici-pants
helped raise $175,000, along with sponsorships. Miller says she expects more than 2,000
walkers this year, with a goal of raising $200,000.
“For every $1 we raise here in North Carolina, actually $1.10 stays in our state,” she says. “Last
year, we gave over $2.65 million in research here in North Carolina alone.”
A children’s area, advocacy tent, emcees and UNCW dancers to entertain participants at the event.
Plus, there will be a T-shirt contest and spirit contest, along with five Wilmington Health Lifestyle
Change Awards given to nominated community members who have taken control of their health.
Registration is free and available online, but participants are encouraged to fundraise. Gates
open at 8 a.m. the day of the event and festivities and registration will begin at 9 a.m.
Contact Miller for more information at (910) 538-9270 and ashley.miller@heart.org
910.509.3044 • crestfitness.com
C elebrating