Last week, the American Heart Association presented a trophy to Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., in his capacity as both UNMC chancellor and president of the Nebraska Medicine board, to honor UNMC/Nebraska Medicine for raising the most money for the 2016 Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk.
UNMC/Nebraska Medicine raised more than $92,000 to go toward the American Heart Association’s lifesaving research.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the American Heart Association,” said Dr. Gold, who was the honorary chair of the event. “The mission of the AHA, with its focus on heart health, and that of UNMC/Nebraska Medicine are closely aligned, so it doesn’t surprise me that UNMC and Nebraska Medicine came out in force to support this important event.
“I’d like to congratulate our med center community, and also the leaders who have worked so hard to organize our team of walkers and make the event so successful,” he said. “We congratulate the American Heart Association for another successful, well-run event. Through the AHA’s support of research, these funds will improve the lives of many people — and that’s what we do at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine every day.”
Jennifer Redmond, Omaha metro executive director of the American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, congratulated the med center on the funds raised.
“We were honored to have Chancellor Gold serve as the Heart Walk Chair this year,” she said. “His passion and drive to educate the community about cardiovascular disease is truly life-changing for those lives he has touched through his involvement.
“The American Heart Association could not continue to fund life-saving research in our community without the support of our donors, volunteers and supporters like Nebraska Medicine/UNMC,” she said. “Your leadership and employees rallied around a cause that impacts all of us. A heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your dedication, passion and for making a difference in our community.”
UNMC/Nebraska Medicine had more than 379 registered walkers through the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk website. In total, the walk saw more than 5,000 walkers on May 7.
According to American Heart Association representative, the trophy has been with Union Pacific for many years, but this year UNMC/Nebraska Medicine turned out to raise more than $92,000, topping UP’s total to bring home the trophy.