Greater Westerly Heart Walk Scheduled for September 24 in Watch Hill

September 1, 2016 – WESTERLY – The 2016 Greater Westerly Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, September 24 at 9 a.m. at the Watch Hill Gazebo. (Registration starts at 8 a.m.) The American Heart Association encourages companies, families and friends to create a team and register at www.GreaterWesterlyHeartWalk.org. Participants have a choice between a 5-mile walk and a 2-mile stroll. No minimum donation is required.

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Last year, more than 200 participants raised almost $40,000 for the fight against heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association uses the funds to finance cutting-edge scientific research, conduct public and professional educational programs and advocate for public health. In Rhode Island and Connecticut alone, the American Heart Association funded more than $13.1 million in scientific research last year.

The Heart Walk is an opportunity for participants to fund research and education to fight heart disease and stroke as well as take steps to improve their own heart health. Maria Travelyn from Westerly, RI is a perfect example of a Heart Walk participant who has made lifestyle changes to improve her health. Before Maria started her lifestyle change journey over three years ago, she weighed 240 lbs. Her cholesterol and blood sugar numbers were high — both are risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. After just three months and by losing 30 lbs, Maria’s blood sugar returned to normal. Now, she has lost over 100 lbs and has kept it off. It is her hope that by sharing her story she can inspire others to make changes to live a healthier life and prevent heart disease.

Travelyn said, “I started my journey one day. I looked in the mirror and said to myself, ‘Your father died at the age of 60 from a heart attack. Your brother has diabetes and is overweight. Do you want to follow in their footsteps? Your blood sugar is high. Do you want to be on prescription drugs for the rest of your life? You’re only 50 years old.’ I knew I couldn’t let that happen.” Read more about Maria’s story here.

The Greater Westerly Heart Walk is led by a passionate volunteer committee including Elizabeth Aubee, Jo-Ann Bates, Mary Ellen Buckley, Frank Cofone, Skip Hoffman, Courtney Hyland, Rebecca Magner, Lisia Quinlivan, Rae Rando, and Nick Stahl.

The Greater Westerly Heart Walk is locally sponsored by The Washington Trust Company, L+M Westerly Hospital, Maxson Automatic, South County Cardiology and Westerly Community Credit Union. Official media sponsors include The Sun Publishing Company, WBLQ 1230 AM, The Buzz 96.7 FM and 95.1FM Kent County. The Heart Walk is nationally sponsored by Subway.

For more information or to register, please visit www.GreaterWesterlyHeartWalk.org, contact Andrea Larocque at 401-228-2332 or [email protected].

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