By WJBC Staff
BLOOMINGTON – The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association are kicking off fundraising efforts for this year’s McLean County Heart and Stroke Walk in October.
Bob Miller, Vice President, Operations for Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and Advocate Eureka Hospital, will serve as chair of the event, alongside honorary co-chair, Illinois State University President Larry Dietz.
Miller’s personal and professional connections with heart disease and stroke prompted him to serve as chair.
“My dad had bypass cardiovascular surgery (open heart surgery) due to coronary artery disease, and ultimately died from a massive stroke,” said Miller. “Additionally, I had an uncle who died at 36 years old from a cardiovascular anomaly. Neither one had any obvious indications of a pre-disposition for heart disease or stroke, and we as a family were stunned when these events occurred. This obviously got my attention and so I have worked to mitigate risk factors within my control for my own personal health and for my family.
The Heart & Stroke Walk is a major fundraiser for the AHA and ASA, with a goal of raising $110,000. Funds raised go to research and education that fight America’s leading cause of death, heart disease and stroke.
“The event is a great way to get exercise and support the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, which work to reduce the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Dietz. Please join me in taking a walk, pledging your support, and improving the lives and health of all Americans.”
The walk is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 1 at ISU’s Hancock Stadium.
Local businesses interested in building heart walk teams and/or corporate sponsorship can contact Darcy McQuellon of the American Heart Association at (309) 370-5113 or email darcy.mcquellon@heart.org. To register and for more information visit www.mcleancountyheartwalk.org.
The 2017 McLean County Heart & Stroke Walk is presented by OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, the local sponsor for Go Red For Women.
