WHAT: Collier County Heart Walk
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 7
TIME: 8 a.m. activities, 9 a.m. walk
LOCATION: Cambier Park, downtown Naples
SUMMARY: The Collier County Sheriff’s Office realizes that heart disease and defects can affect anyone. The best way to avoid heart-related illnesses is by taking preventive measures such as exercising, eating healthier and going for routine medical checkups.
CCSO supports the American Heart Association’s efforts to promote heart health and is proud to participate in the 2009-10 Collier Heart Walk.
Davee Lester, 3, son of CCSO Public Information Officer Kristi Lester, will be recognized at the walk as a 2009 honorary child survivor. Davee underwent open-heart surgery when he was 10 months old and today is happy and healthy..
Click here to see Kristi’s story about Davee and her father, who has also undergone open-heart procedures.
Other CCSO members have been through similar journeys, including:
* Corrections Sgt. Joan Capo experienced a difficult pregnancy back in 1995 when doctors discovered her baby's heart was beating at a dangerous 350 beats per minute – more than twice the normal rate. A team of physicians at North Shore University Hospital in New York, in consultation with cardiac experts from around the world, treated Capo and helped her deliver her daughter Delaney, who today is 14 and leading a normal life.
* Office Specialist Elaine Schmidt underwent an outpatient procedure in June 2009 when doctors discovered that her heart was beating more than 300 times per minute. The procedure was conducted on a Friday and she felt well enough to return to work the following Monday.
* General Accounting Manager Andrea Marsh led CCSO’s fundraising team for the walk because she believes in the AHA’s cause. In 1996 her father underwent quadruple bypass surgery after suffering a heart attack while out shopping. Now 78, he is doing well. Andrea attributes his success to the research and support programs initiated by the AHA.
Please help CCSO in its support of the AHA. Click here to visit the Collier Heart Walk’s main page to sign up to walk, start your own team and/or make a donation.
