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Many people have personal reasons for participating in the annual Boston Heart Walk, and Kim-Ann Clifford’s is especially close to her heart.
“In September 2010, my mother passed away unexpectedly from a blood clot that traveled to her heart and caused a massive heart attack,” said Clifford, the associate director of Payor Relations and Central Business Services for the BWPO, who has participated on the BWPO’s Heart Steppers team since its inception. “I also lost my dad in April 2011. Needless to say, heart disease has touched me very personally.”
On Sept. 10, Clifford will once again step up to raise funds and participate in the American Heart Association’s Boston Heart Walk with BWH on the Charles River Esplanade. Sharon Cohen, BWPO’s director of administration, and Michael Kyller, instructor in the Cardiovascular Division,are this year’s BW/F team captains, and already, 16 BW/F teams have signed up.
“It is really exciting to be part of the BW/F team and experience the camaraderie at this wonderful community event,” said Cohen.
The funds raised through the walk support cardiovascular research, advocacy and education. The American Heart Association has raised millions of research dollars for Boston hospitals, including BWH.
“The AHA provides the most funding for cardiovascular research besides the federal government,” said Charles Pozner, MD, of the Department of Emergency and AHA Founders Affiliate Board President. “We advocate for many public health initiatives, contribute to ensuring quality programs in the management of cardiovascular disease and stroke, as well as teach both the lay public and health care professionals important lifesaving procedures.”
Kyller agreed. “Many of the advances in heart disease and stroke are a direct result of the AHA,” he said. “I think of this every time I hear of a save from an AED or CPR, we perform a new cardiac procedure here at BWH or I see the millions of dollars from AHA supporting our researchers in helping to develop new treatments.”
It’s not too late to start, join or support a BWH Heart Walk team in reaching the overall hospital goal of raising $50,000. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org for more information.
Learn more about the event and meet some of this year’s walkers at a kick-off party on July 26, 4-6 p.m., at the Mission Bar and Grill. Registered walkers will be entered to win raffle prizes.