Heart Walk exceeds expectations, raises $31K

The 2012 Pike County Heart Walk Thursday night lived up to expectations.

Not only did the annual fundraising/awareness campaign attract the largest number of participants ever at its culminating event, it also raised $31,250 and counting for the American Heart Association’s fight against heart disease.

Members of the Pike County Heart Board had anticipated a record crowd for the Pike County Heart Walk at Cattleman Park and they were not disappointed.

“Wonderful in every way,” said Annette Toney, Pike County Heart Board chair. “Participation was outstanding and everyone was having a good time. Hopefully, this is an indication that people are becoming more aware of heart disease and stroke and are ready to join the fight. The dollars that are raised each year do make a difference.”

Toney said the large number of hearts along the Heart Walk path represented victories over heart disease.

“But, heart disease continues to be the number one killer of women in America and we are dedicated to changing that and to changing it soon,” she said.

“The number of people that we had here tonight is an indication that the message is getting out about heart disease and that people are listening.

“We’ve got more than 300 people at the Heart Walk and that’s encouraging.

“We are committed to continuing our awareness campaign and our fundraising campaign that provides funds for the research that discovers treatments.”

Jim O’Neal, Pike County Heart board member, said that he, too, hopes that the large Heart Walk crowd means that the message is being heard.