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Tom Porter, M.D., professor of cardiology at UNMC and a UMA physician, speaks to all participants before the walk. Joining Dr. Porter on and around the state were heart disease survivors, who wore red “survivor’s caps,” provided by UMA and UNMC. |
Many UNMC, NHS and UMA employees took part in the Ninth Annual Omaha-Metro American Heart Walk on May 3, which was co-sponsored by UNMC and UMA.
“We are very grateful to continue to have strong support from UNMC, UMA, and NHS for the walk, which is the number one fund-raiser for the American Heart Association in Nebraska,” said Jennifer Redmond, walk director.
A major part of the UNMC/UMA sponsorship included providing a red “survivor’s cap” to each survivor of heart disease who participated in the walk. Other local sponsors included Children’s Hospital and Mix 96.1. Subway and NutriSoy were national sponsors.
About 1,200 participants walked around Wehrspann Lake near the Chalco Hills Recreation Area. UNMC/NHS/UMA represented 124 of the walkers – over 10 percent. Donations and pledges, which still are being accepted by the American Heart Association, are nearing $250,000. The combined team of UNMC/NHS/UMA raised a total of $15,094. An additional $395 was donated to the AHA through NHS’s annual Dress Red Day, during which employees purchase collectible pins and stickers.
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Brian Parsons and his wife, Stacy, pose with their son, Kevin. Originally from North Dakota, the family moved to Omaha so that Kevin could receive optimal care for a heart condition. Kevin’s physician is John D. Kugler, M.D., the D.B. and Paula Varner Professor of Pediatric Cardiology at UNMC. |
The money raised for the walk will help finance research, educational and other outreach programs in Nebraska. Over the past three years, the American Heart Association has funded about $2.3 million in cardiovascular research at UNMC, Creighton University Medical Center, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The UNMC/UMA team captains included Cindy Sutton, Luann Andersen, Joanne Johnson, Theresa Pikschus and Laura Millemon.
“The walk is a great way to increase awareness of heart disease and stroke as the numbers one and three killers in the state of Nebraska, said Sutton, administrator in cardiology. “I enjoy participating every year and look forward to organizing another successful year of fund raising for the American Heart Association in 2003/04.”
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Heart walk participants were able to gather information about heart disease at the UNMC/UMA tent. |