Courtesy of The American Heart Association.
Florida A&M's Honor Student Association is one of the teams participating in The American Heart Association's (AHA) premier annual event, the Heart Walk. This event is coming to Cascades Park on Nov. 8.
The Heart Walk is a fun-filled day of physical activity, games and discussions designed to raise funds and awareness to help combat America's No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death, heart cancer and stroke. The event features a free 5K and 1-mile route for singles, families, teams and companies to walk in support for the cause.
Co-Head of the Honor Student Associations Volunteer Committee and first-year pharmacy student from Miami, Fla., Yael Lezy, is excited about the opportunity to walk for a greater cause.
"A lot of us have family members who have suffered from heart attacks and strokes so for some of us this walk is personal," Lezy said. "I think it's great that during this walk we get to interact with some of the material we learn in the classroom."
More than 20 students have committed to walking with the Honor Student Association this year.
Last year, the Heart Walk was held at Tom Brown Park. This national event is expected to engage more than one million participants across the country in exercising and learning preventive measures against cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary diseases.
Jeneane Nuzzo, regional director of The AHA Greater South East Affiliates, believes that communities like Tallahassee are crucial for spreading awareness.
"Instead of just teaching people and kids about healthy living, we try to change the culture in the communities," Nuzzo said.
Nuzzo added that support from FAMU and FSU can encourage the city of Tallahassee to get involved also.
"We need institutions like FAMU, like FSU to stand behind us and show their support and involvement to get everyone in the community living healthier lifestyles," she said.
Currently the Big Bend area has raised more than $100,000 toward its $250,000 goal. Each participant that register raises funds toward a personal donation goal. T-shirts and other awards will be given to teams that raise $100 or more.
To learn more about the Heart Walk or to register your team, visit www.bigbendheartwalk.org.