The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
American Heart Association
Walkers and runners raised more than $17,000to fight heart disease and stroke for the American Heart Association.
ROME, N.Y. >> Hundreds of walkers and runners joined the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives at the Rome Run & Indoor Walk.
Walkers and runners raised more than $17,000 to fight heart disease and stroke; the number one and number five killers of Americans. The event was held at Rome Free Academy and sponsored by Rome Memorial Hospital. Two Red Cap Ambassadors shared their stories. Jaxon Hayes, of Rome, had open heart surgery at two days old to repair a congen- ital heart defect. By the time he was 1-year-old, Jaxon’s family discovered he suffered a stroke. He is now an active 5-year-old who loves dinosaurs, cars, and playing with his twin sister Riley.
Angel Woolheater, of Utica, found out she suffered a stroke
after experiencing vision problems. She underwent several tests and procedures and discovered a heart problem. Now, she is waiting for a heart transplant and wears a device that pumps her heart for her.
The Rome Run & Indoor Walk offered different walk courses to attract different types of walkers; for the person that would like a leisurely walk, there was an indoor oval track and for the more avid walker there were challenging courses around the school. For runners, the event offered an outdoor 5K run.
The morning was filled with family-friendly activities for the children to enjoy, along with entertainment, at Sydney’s Circle. Sydney was a Rome resident who passed away from heart disease and Sydney’s Circle is a way to honor her memory with a fun-filled morning of activities.
There were several vendors at the Expo for the community to visit, including interactive health education and an opportunity to pre-register for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk.
Those interested in forming a fundraising team for America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk on Saturday, March 2, can register for the event at www.uticaheartrunwalk.org.
America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 2019 is locally sponsored by signature sponsor NYCM Insurance; local sponsors Scalzo, Zogby and Wittig, Inc. Insurance; AmeriCU Credit Union, and Carbone Athletics at The Fitness Mill. A minimumamount of $30 in pledges for participants 16 years and older is required at registration to participate in the Heart Run & Walk.
For more information on America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk 2019, contact the American Heart Association at 315-580-3964 or visit www.uticaheartrunwalk.org.