By Kenya Godette
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 805,000 heart attacks happen each year and are the leading cause of death in America.
Old Dominion University’s “Moving Monarchs for Healthy Hearts,” on Oct. 31 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Kaufman Mall, is a 1-mile walk where students, employees and community members can join in solidarity and awareness of heart disease and stroke and those affected by it.
Participants are encouraged to wear red – the national symbol of unity in the heart health community - and the first 500 people to arrive will receive a commemorative ODU Heart Walk T-shirt. Upon crossing the finish line, heart disease and stroke survivors will be honored with the opportunity to ring a bell, signifying their triumph and resilience.
Registration to participate as a walker or volunteer is available online.
The walk is a partnership of the University and the American Heart Association (AHA), facilitated by the Office of Community Engagement, to unite and raise awareness of the AHA’s mission “to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”
ODU’s Alpha Phi sorority is also a partner in the walk. Macy Marshall, sophomore and vice president of marketing for Alpha Phi, will share her story at the event. Marshall was diagnosed with pericarditis – a swelling and irritation of tissue that surrounds the heart – during her eighth-grade year. Because of her journey, she is committed to advocating for heart-healthy initiatives like this one.
“Being a part of this chapter and watching my best friends work diligently to create projects and fundraisers to support a cause so meaningful to me is something so special,” she said. “Similarly, how it is so amazing to see my university supporting such an amazing cause, it truly warms my heart.”
Moving Monarchs for Healthy Hearts will kick off with a brief program on the steps of Webb University Center. The event will feature several guest speakers including Marshall, MeShall Mitchell, executive director of the American Heart Association and Leryn Reynolds, Ph.D., associate professor in the Ellmer College of Health Sciences School of Exercise Science.
Dr. Reynolds, who also serves as director of the Wellness Institute and the Integrative Cardiometabolic Lab, is excited to participate in the walk with her fellow Monarchs.
“Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of so many in our community,” she said. “Let’s keep that momentum going!”
Monarchs can also join the ODU walking team for the Nov. 16 Hampton Roads 2024 Heart Walk at the 24th Street Park at the Virginia Beach Ocean Front. Those unable to walk can donate to the ODU team online.