The American Heart Association is pleased to announce Mike Rubino, CFO of Digital Lumens, as chair of the organization’s newest charity event, the Heart Challenge 5K Obstacle Trail Run. The new event will be held on Saturday, May 10th and is already piquing the interest of fitness fans and obstacle race enthusiasts across the region.
As an avid athlete, personally affected by heart disease, the event was of particular interest to Rubino, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest in 2012. Rubino had just finished a light jog with a local boot camp when the instructor realized Mike was in trouble, unresponsive and with only a faint pulse. After directing others to call for help she immediately began performing CPR until EMTs arrived.
Mike says it was the quick thinking and action of his instructor that saved his life. “I know most sudden cardiac arrest victims do not receive CPR soon enough and the survival rate is a dismal 11 percent nationwide,” said Rubino. “I was fortunate to have the right people around me at the right time. Now it’s time to help the American Heart Association save more lives, by raising funds that will benefit research, education and advocacy.”
As chair, Rubino is encouraging all individuals, families, friends and corporations to create a team and participate in the exciting new event that will help raise funds for the American Heart Association while challenging participant’s strength, agility and balance as they make their way through the obstacles and rugged terrain! Rubino explained that obstacles will not consist of any mud pits, but rather military style training equipment.
“The course has been designed to be completed by anyone that can run a 5K,” said Rubino. “It’s a fun opportunity to get in a challenging workout alongside family and friends while supporting the mission of the American Heart Association.”
A resident of Boston, Rubino has spent much of his career as a business executive leading the financial and operational aspects of high-growth private and public companies, including manufacturing, infrastructure development and international expansion. He has also successfully managed multiple acquisitions and integrations of privately held organizations into larger companies. Prior to joining Digital Lumens, Rubino worked for A123 Systems, Maker Communications and Agile Networks. Rubino received his bachelors in business administration from the University of South Carolina.
The Heart Challenge will be held 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.
The Heart Challenge is sponsored by Latham & Watkins LLP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Goodwin Procter LLP, Digital Lumens, Inc., Rocket Software, and Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation. For more information, please visit www.heartchallenge.org or contact Lauren Ritchie at 781-373-4537 or [email protected].