By Jeff Murphy,
May 24, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO – Almost everyone has a story to tell about a friend or family member
who has battled cardiovascular disease or stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 leading
causes of death. Through the 2016 Johnson County Heart Walk, Saturday, Oct. 1, individuals,
families, businesses and organizations have an opportunity to join in the fight against
these serious health issues while participating in a fun, family-friendly environment
at the University of Central Missouri.
This is the fourth consecutive year UCM has hosted the Heart Walk. It takes place
at 8 a.m. near the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, giving hundreds of participants
an opportunity to join in the walk while also enjoying a number of other activities,
including games for children, music by a DJ, informational booths, and more.
Last year’s event involved nearly 380 walkers who helped raise approximately $60,000
for the American Heart Association. The local Heart Walk planning committee co-chaired
by Tara Carlyle, Western Missouri Medical Center, and Gina Carlyle, Awesome Blossoms,
has set an $85,000 fundraising goal for this year’s event. Many local corporate sponsors
have already provided financial gifts, but plenty of opportunities are still available
for businesses and organizations that want to support the event. The committee also
seeks walkers, company and organization teams, and individuals who want to serve as
walkers and as team captains.
Amanda Avent, a Warrensburg resident and UCM graduate who serves as Corporate Events
Director for the American Heart Association, works directly with the planning committee
to help organize the event. She said support for the Johnson County Heart Walk and
similar events nationwide is needed to help ensure progress is made to eliminate the
health threat cardiovascular disease and stroke poses for many Americans. Through
the highly visible UCM campus setting, along with the walk near downtown Warrensburg,
participants have an opportunity to publicly honor people they know who have been
directly affected this leading health threat, while raising much-needed funds.
Individuals who want to learn more about the Johnson County Heart Walk, including
how to form their own teams, participate as a walker, serve as a team captain, or
offer corporate support, are urged to visit the website, johnsoncountyheartwalk.org.
They also can contact Avent for more information at 660-441-0090, or email amanda.avent@heart.org.
