| GARDNER— Cardiovascular disease, including strokes, kills almost 1 million people in the United States each year, which is roughly one death every 35 seconds. For those people who are either diagnosed with heart disease, or know someone who is, there can never be enough money donated to researching a cure. One way that local residents can do their part to raise money for heart health awareness is to sign up for the Fitness Concepts Health Club’s fifth annual roadrace on May 17, all of the proceeds from the event will benefit the American Heart Association. Although the health club has supported other charities in the past, including the American Cancer Society and various community outreach programs. A local club member who was recently diagnosed with heart disease suggested the proceeds benefit the Heart Association. Diagnosed with heart disease two years ago, Corrine Belsky said the opportunity to raise money to support the American Heart Association was particularly important. “I was diagnosed with heart disease in 2006,” said Ms. Belsky, who has since been required by her doctor to wear a heart monitor at all times during her workouts at the gym. According to club manager Joyce Gosselin, Ms. Belsky contacted her and suggested that the American Heart Association be the beneficiary of this year’s fundraiser because she had experienced firsthand what it is like to be diagnosed with heart disease. “Everybody knows someone who has been affected by heart disease,” said Ms. Gosselin, “and all of our proceeds are going directly to the American Heart Association.” The funds raised by participants in the event will go toward developing new tactics and programs that will help prevent both disabilities and deaths from various heart diseases. Ms. Gosselin is hoping to convince local businesses to provide support to the runners in the race, and even added extra incentive to encourage their participation. “We’re trying to get area businesses to donate money for our runners,” said Ms. Gosselin, “For a donation of 100 dollars, the business will get their logo on the official race tee shirt, but any donation made under 100 dollars will get the company’s name printed in regular letters on the back.” Past races have produced hundreds of participants, and Ms. Gosselin hopes to attract both serious runners and families to the event. “Our goal is to have about 200 runners and walkers, its a family affair so we’ll have children looking for sponsorship,” said Ms. Gosselin. “We have cash prizes for the top finishers, which may attract more elite types of runners, but we have a lot of people who are involved just to help the heart association.” The 3.1 mile road race will begin and end at Fitness Concepts Health Club on West Broadway Street in Gardner, and participants are required to preregister by May 1. Those walking the race will hit the course at 9 a.m., and runners will start at 10 a.m. oboss@thegardnernews.com |
| Appeared on Page 4 on 4/24/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 98) |
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