Walks are popular fundraisers in Central Illinois, and choosing to raise money for a cause near and dear to your heart can be a rewarding experience. The American Heart Association’s Tri-County Heart Walk will take place on October 11 at Liberty Park along the Peoria riverfront, and just like many of the other charities holding walks in the tri-county area, the organization relies on donations to further its mission. So why should you start a team for the Heart Walk?
1. Because heart disease remains the number one killer not only in Illinois, but in the nation.
The American Heart Association set an aggressive goal in 2010 to decrease the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent by the year 2020. Every dollar raised at the Heart Walk goes to research, education and programs that help move the needle toward this goal.
2. The American Heart Association is the largest funding source for cardiovascular research outside of the federal government.
The AHA funded $16 million in studies in Illinois alone last year. The research the organization funds has led to breakthroughs such as stents, CPR, open heart surgery, artificial heart valves and dozens of other treatments and prevention methods. Think of your friends and family; most likely someone you know has benefited from a treatment discovered by the American Heart Association.
3. The American Heart Association works to improve patient outcomes in the Tri-County area.
Both Unity Point and OSF St. Francis Medical Center have been recognized by the American Heart Association for following the American Heart Association’s guidelines for treating heart disease and stroke patients.
4. You want to recognize someone who has suffered from heart disease or stroke.
The Heart Walk is a great place for heart survivors to connect and share in a camaraderie together. Many walkers wear shirts honoring a loved one, and they fill out tribute stickers with the survivor’s name and walk together as a team.
5. You want to remember a loved one you lost to heart disease or stroke.
You can walk in a loved one’s memory and raise funds in their honor, and share their story on your Heart Walk fundraising
web page.
6. You want to improve your own health.
Walkers can participate in free health screenings from Unity Point, get the latest heart health information from local sponsors and the American Heart Association.
7. You want to enjoy a healthy, family-friendly activity.
Heart Walks are open to all ages and provide an opportunity for you, your friends and family to enjoy a walk along the riverfront and to learn how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.
8. You want to recognize someone who has made lifestyle changes that improved his or her heart health.
Do you know someone who quit smoking, lost weight, started eating healthier or is exercising more? You can nominate that individual for a lifestyle change award. Award winners are recognized from the stage at the walk. To receive a nomination form, contact the American Heart Association Central Illinois office at 217-698-3838.
9. You want to advocate for laws that improve your health.
The American Heart Association provides an opportunity to join its You’re the Cure network, which helps you to easily interact with legislators on bills the organization is actively working on. Thanks to passionate volunteers, Illinois legislators passed Lauren’s Law in the spring of 2014, which requires all high schools to offer CPR training to students, creating a generation of life-savers.
10. Your workplace supports health and wellness.
One of the best ways to start a walk team is through your workplace. Designate team captains who can lead the fundraising efforts in your company, hold internal fundraisers, and encourage healthy behaviors. Some companies walk in support of co-workers who have suffered a heart attack or stroke, and create company shirts to demonstrate team solidarity.
Starting a corporate team or want to sponsor the event? Contact Aaron Lohnes at 309-360-5381 or aaron.lohnes@heartwalk.org. Follow the American Heart Association on social media: Facebook: AmericanHeartIL, Twitter: @AHACentralIL.
Photos courtesy of American Heart Association
Tri-County Heart Walk
October 11
Liberty Park — Peoria RiverFront
Register your team today at www.peoriaheartwalk.org