Upstate readies for 2019 Heart Walk

The American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk, which attracts the participation of hundreds of Upstate Medical University employees, steps off March 23 at SRC Arena on the Onondaga Community College campus.

Traditionally, Upstate fields one of the event’s largest teams and last year it did not disappoint with more than 500 employees participating in the walk and raising more than $38,000.

At a recent Heart Walk kick-off meeting, local American Heart Association leaders thanked Upstate for its ongoing support of the event and the agency

Upstate Interim President Mantosh Dewan, MD, also thanked the Upstate community and Heart Walk team captains for their outstanding work and bringing recognition to Upstate for the significant support it provides the charity event each year.

Dewan said he was grateful for the partnership with the heart and stroke association and noted Upstate’s work at fighting heart disease takes place on various fronts, including clinical care, research and community education.

The American Heart Association has provided research support to Upstate for more than four decades to a tune of more than $6.7 million.

To ensure Upstate’s success as a leading supporter of the Heart Walk, Zanette Howe, who organizes Upstate’s overall presence at the event, says there is a need for more team captains.

“Team captains are the reason Upstate continues to be a local leader at the Heart Walk,” Howe said. “We are looking for more individuals who want to be part of a winning Heart Walk team.”

Team captains help organize teams for various departments to participate and be represented at the Heart Walk.

The Heart Walk is more than a walk. The annual event includes entertainment and dozens of vendors offering up free goodies and health information to Heart Walk participants. There is also the option of walking the indoor track at SRC Arena or around campus.

To learn more about being a team captain for your department, contact Zanette Howe at howez@upstate.edu, Becca Pesci at pescir@upstate.eduor Beth Sellers at sellersb@upstate.edu or call 315-464-4836.

Caption: Upstate's team captains for the American Heart Association's Heart Walk.