A shirt Sarah Peacock decorated, highlights more than just her anticipated accomplishment of participating in the 5K on May 10th.
A year ago, Medford resident, Sarah Peacock was recovering from her fourth open-heart surgery. Now, the congenital heart disease survivor, is training to take part in the American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge 5K Obstacle Trail Run, on May 10th, while celebrating her 28th birthday.
Peacock was born with truncus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect in which the heart only has one large artery instead of two separate ones to carry blood to the lungs and body. She spent much of her childhood treated at Boston Children’s Hospital where she’s undergone a total of four open heart surgeries. Peacock describes her experience living with congenital heart disease as a bit of bumpy road but credits her doctors and advances in cardiac research and care for saving her life.
“The Heart Challenge is the perfect opportunity for me to celebrate surviving 28 years of heart disease, by helping to further the efforts of the American Heart Association and ultimately save more lives,” said Peacock.
The Heart Challenge is the American Heart Association’s first, adventurous 5K obstacle trail run. The exciting new event, designed to be completed by anyone that can run a 5K, will help support the mission of the American Heart Association while challenging participant’s strength, agility and balance as they make their way through the obstacles and rugged terrain.
Heart Disease is the No. 1 killer and stroke is the No. 4 killer of all Americans. Physical inactivity significantly increases ones risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association is working to help Americans live healthier lifestyles by focusing on healthy living and creating healthy mindsets through a range of education, advocacy, and community efforts that reinforce the value of eating well and being physically active. The Heart Challenge will help the American Heart Association to reach their 2020 impact goal of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in all Americans by 20 percent.
The Heart Challenge will be held on Saturday, May 10th at Prowse Farm, 5 Blue Hill River Road in Canton. The event will begin at 9am with heats going off every 15 minutes after that. A post-race celebration for all participants and attendees will include live music by rock cover band, Usually Normal and picnic catered by Del Frisco’s. For more information, please visit www.heartchallenge.org or contact Lauren Ritchie at 781-373-4537 or [email protected].