ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (May 11, 2020) — With the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic keeping more Americans at home, the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is embracing the new normal and moving its iconic Quad Cities Heart Walk online.
The Quad Cities Heart Walk is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity.
“Now, more than ever, we’re all looking for ways to connect with others, stay active, and stay encouraged,” said Jim Watts, President and CEO of RIA Federal Credit Union and the 2020 Quad Cities Heart Walk Chair. “This virtual format allows everyone to continue to have fun and support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission, while adapting to spending more time at home. I am looking forward to seeing how everyone in the Quad Cities makes the Heart Walk their own.”
On June 27, Quad Cities-area Heart Walk participants and teams will not physically meet but are invited to get moving at home or around the neighborhood starting at 8AM.
To register, visit www.QuadCitiesHeartWalk.org. From there, participants can stay up to date by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join in via e-mail or on social media. On the day of, everyone is encouraged to post photos and videos to document their activity using #QCHeartWalk.
The Heart Walk is open to the community as all are welcome to participate and change the story of heart disease and stroke in the Quad Cities. Those who walk are committed to funding research that keeps hearts beating.
“What makes the CP family so passionate about walking is that the funds raised actually change lives,” says Jacob Rinnels, Superintendent Operations — Quad Cities. “CP is committed to the heart health of communities in which we operate. We are proud to partner with the American Heart Association for this year’s Virtual Heart Walk.”
Each time someone laces up their shoes or forms a team to participate in the Heart Walk they are instrumental in innovative breakthroughs. Every donation helps create new technologies, such as the artificial heart-valve, cholesterol drugs, stents, and the mechanical heart-pump, which helps extend the life of patients.
“UnityPoint Health-Trinity is proud to partner with American Heart Association as we connect with the community and reinforce the importance of exercise, heart-healthy eating, and maintaining a healthy mindset in order to maximize heart-health,” says Pat Shouse, President, Trinity Health Foundation. “This is why we have been a proud sponsor of the Quad Cities Heart Walk for over 25 years. By joining the 2020 Virtual Quad Cities Heart Walk, you are changing the story of heart disease and stroke in the Quad Cities. On behalf of Trinity, thank you for your commitment to make the Quad Cities a healthier place to live.”
Each day, about 2,150 Americans die from heart disease — the N° 1 killer in the United States. Stroke, the N° 5 killer and a leading cause of severe disability, claims the lives of nearly 219,000 each year.
Over the past 25 years, The American Heart Association and The American Stroke Association have funded $3.4 billion in research. But the work is far from done. The American Heart Association is nearing the $5 billion mark as we work to fund big ideas to pioneer breakthroughs in our understanding and treatment of heart disease and stroke.
“UPH Trinity is proud to partner with the American Heart Association to continue to inspire and educate our community on how to keep your heart healthy, says Kathy Pulley, Director, Cardiac Services. “Your participation in the virtual walk this year is more important than ever! Now that we are staying closer to home and our lives have slowed down, there is no better opportunity than now to take the time to invest in your heart health. Make your commitment today to join the walk — your heart will thank you!”
The Quad Cities Heart Walk is sponsored locally by Canadian Pacific, UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Cardiovascular Medicine, PC, Marine Credit Union, RIA Federal Credit Union, Lujack’s, Heritage Landscape Design, RSM, Van Meter, Purina, Modern Woodmen, and Green State Credit Union.
For more information or to register for the Quad Cities Heart Walk, visit www.QuadCitiesHeartWalk.org.
The American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke — the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public-health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
