A UC Davis-American Heart Association partnership appears healthy, based on results of the 2003 Heart Walk. A victory for UC Davis, the event also symbolized personal victories for many campus affiliates.
The annual 5K walk/run fund-raiser took place Saturday at and around Sacramento’s William Land Park.
“We exceeded our goals, registering 736 walkers and raising more than $30,000 in donations so far,” said Carol Bone, community outreach coordinator at the heart center. The campus had set goals of involving 500 walkers and raising $20,000 to $25,000.
“That translates to more local grants, more local research, more opportunity to make a difference,” said Mabel Salon, of Government and Community Relations, in a letter thanking participants. She noted UC Davis was the top participating organization in the region.
Participants raised money through pledges, donations and sponsorships. For many — some of whom are recovered or recovering patients of the medical center — success was felt on a more personal level.
An opportunity for joy, reflection
Computer Science professor Kenneth Joy’s family has particular reason to celebrate. His wife, Edi, formerly of Land Air and Water Resources, last September suffered a massive stroke. “It was a yearlong goal of my wife’s to be able to walk the 5K,” Kenneth said. Daughter Amy Joy, who works in Alumni Relations, served as team captain and was among Joy family members on hand to revel in Edi’s success.
The event also hit home for Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef, who this year served as honorary chair of the event. Vanderhoef’s mother died at age 52 of a heart attack. His tenure as chair, he said, was to honor her.
The Heart Association’s overall goal for the walk was to raise some $500,000 for research, education and public outreach. More than $287,000 has been counted so far.
Initial tabulations show the medical center Cardiac Rehab/Coronary Artery Disease Reversal Program team raised more than $6,000 with its 372 walkers, made up of patients and their families; and that UC Davis’ Office of the Chancellor and Provost team raised some $4,550.
Bone credited the success to hard work among the walkers and volunteers, good communications between UC Davis and the Heart Association, and respect for everyone involved. “People were given respect for the time they took out of their schedules to particupate in this walk.”
UC Davis has received millions of dollars from the Heart Association to conduct research, which the walk helps support. In addition, the event aims to expand awareness about the fitness benefits of walking.