Local Survivor Supports Heart Walk at Jersey Shore

Christine RochelleOn October 29, Christine Rochelle of Wall, a congenital heart defect and stroke survivor, will walk to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke as she serves as survivor ambassador for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s Shoreline Heart Walk at FirstEnergy Park, home of the Lakewood BlueClaws, in Lakewood, NJ.

Shortly after birth, Rochelle was diagnosed with pulmonary valve stenosis, a thickened or fused heart valve that does not allow proper blood flow from the heart to the lungs.  After a successful surgery at 6 months old, Rochelle was able to live a full life with minimal restrictions.  Then at 27, Rochelle experienced a mild stroke that prompted additional testing with her cardiologist.  Although she suffered no residual effects from the stroke, her cardiologist found another congenital heart defect, and a few months later, Rochelle had surgery which successfully fixed the defect.  She now has yearly checkups with her cardiologists, but is able to live a full life without restrictions.

As survivor ambassador of the event, Rochelle will help rally businesses, community groups and individual walkers to support the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.  She will share her story with attendees on walk day to help raise critical funds to support heart and stroke research.

“My experience has made me realize that we need more research and awareness around heart disease and stroke,” states Rochelle.  “The Shoreline Heart Walk is great opportunity for the community to come together for a great cause and to learn more about living healthier.”

The Shoreline Heart Walk brings hundreds of Monmouth and Ocean County families, organizations and businesses together annually for a fun event filled with cardiovascular wellness, thanks to the support from local sponsors including Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey Natural Gas, RWJBarnabas, CentraState, Food Circus Supermarkets, Inc., Mid-Atlantic Surgical Associates, WCHR 105.7 The Hawk, WOBM 92.7, WOBM 1160 & 1310, WJLK 94.3 The Point, and WBJB 90.5 The Night.

Heart Walks, which are nationally sponsored by Subway, are the signature community event for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association focused on raising funds to support the fight against heart disease and stroke – our nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 leading causes of death.  The Heart Walk is designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living through a fun environment that’s rewarding for the entire family.

To learn how you can join Rochelle at the American Heart Association Shoreline Heart Walk, visit www.ShorelineHeartWalk.org, call 609.208.0020 or email [email protected].

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