Co-Chairs announced as 2023 leadership of Heart Walk
The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases, is once again hosting its annual Fairfield County Heart Walk and 5K Run at Sherwood Island State Park on May 20th. The event will be led by 2023 co-chairs, Dr. Chris Choi, Cardiologist, Stamford Health and Connecticut Board President, Joe Catapano, Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Pitney Bowes and American Heart Association Connecticut Board member, and Anthony Scavo, Assurance Director, PwC.
The 2023 Co-chairs will lead the organizational and recruitment efforts in Fairfield County. They will call on survivors, walkers, and business leaders to join in to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke, the leading cause of death in the United States. The Fairfield event campaign is slated to raise $200,000 for the American Heart Association.
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States with approximately one death per minute”, said event co-chair Joe Catapano. “I am eager to take on this leadership role with my co-chairs and have the opportunity to promote health and wellness to help raise funds needed to support such a critical cause.”
The Fairfield County Heart Walk and 5K run is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity. Heart Walks are a great opportunity for families, friends and co-workers to come together for a common cause and get outdoors and get moving.
“As a cardiologist and President of the Connecticut Board of Directors, I understand the need for continual research and support in the fight against heart disease through funding and awareness,” said Dr Chris Choi. “My fellow co-chairs and I are joining together to advance the Association’s lifesaving mission of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease while encouraging a culture of physical activity.”
Registration for the Heart Walk is free.
Each day, nearly 2,400 Americans die from a cardiovascular disease. That’s an average of one death every 37 seconds. A leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke is lack of physical activity. Research has found that individuals may gain two hours of life expectancy for every one hour of regular, vigorous exercise they do.
“This is my second year chairing the Fairfield Heart Walk and 5K Run and I take particular pride in continuing as a co-chair,” said Anthony Scavo. “It provides me the opportunity to help promote health and wellness while making an impact in the communities where I work and live.”
Registration for the 5K event is $35.
Heart Walk activities begins at 9am. Prior to the walk kick-off, participants can enjoy music, a kid’s zone followed by an inspiring program. The walk will begin at 10am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the option to walk the 1-mile or a 3-mile route or run the 5K – rain or shine.
“We are grateful for the support of our co-chairs as well as the New Haven community who continue to fund much-needed research to fight heart disease and stroke”, said New Haven Heart Walk Director, Todd Boe. “Without their support, the American Heart Association could not have made the imperative advances in the science and research needed to save countless lives.”
To join the 2023 Heart Walk movement, visit www.FairfieldCountyHeartWalk.org From there, participants can access the walk site suggestions, form teams, and customize their own Heart Walk web page. Runners can participate by registering with a $35 fee. Registrants can also use the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join the fun. On the day of the Walk, participants are encouraged to post pictures and videos using #FFCountyHeartWalk.
The 2023 Fairfield County Heart Walk and 5k Run is sponsored locally by Nuvance Health, the Heart and Vascular Center at Yale New Haven Health, and EY.
For more information on participating or contributing to the Heart Walk & 5k Run, contact Todd Boe at 203-858-2787.
For information on heart and brain health, visit www.heart.org.