Maine’s Heart Walk, which is the largest fundraising event for the American Heart Association in Maine, is scheduled for May 15, 2022 in Portland. Heart disease and stroke are top causes of death in Maine. The Association is the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health.
Steve deCastro, Maine Heart Walk Chair
Steve deCastro, President and CEO of Gorham Savings Bank, has stepped up to lead the 2022 Heart Walk. DeCastro and his committee have set a goal to raise $450,000 through corporate donations and walk teams.
“Heart health is critically important. Education and funding are central to promoting research and better awareness of the issues surrounding heart disease,” said deCastro. “I, like so many others, have had friends, co-workers and even family members impacted by heart disease. We have to do all we can to help people understand the risks, and to take steps to lower high blood pressure and prevent strokes and heart attacks. The Heart Walk is a wonderful way to help accomplish these goals and I’m very pleased to chair this year’s event. I encourage everyone to join us in this fight.”
The Heart Walk will kick off with a morning celebration hosted by Channel 8 WMTW and 101.9 POR. The program will include a local heart disease survivor speaker, stroke prevention information, and useful prevention information aimed at inspiring people to improve their heart and brain health. Media sponsors are Channel 8 WMTW and 101.9 POR.
Members of the Heart Walk Executive Leadership Team include: Michael Bourque, The MEMIC Group; Jeanine Chesley, New England Rehabilitation Hospital; Andrew Cook, Skowhegan Savings Bank; Robert Hatem, Hannaford Supermarkets; Amy Kivus-Rouleau, City of Auburn; David Landry, Spectrum Healthcare Partners; Cecile Plourde, Androscoggin Bank; Dr. Douglas Sawyer, Maine Medical Center; Mike Simonds, UNUM; Scott Tompkins, Cianbro; Steve Smith, LL Bean; and Steve Woods, TideSmart (Promerica Health).
To register for the Heart Walk, visit MaineHeartWalk.org From there, participants can stay up to date by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join in via e-mail or on social media. On the Heart Walk day (location TBD), everyone is encouraged to wear their Heart Walk shirt and post pictures and videos to capture their activity using #MEHeartWalk.