Walkers stroll the Mercy Tiffin Hospital campus in support of the American Heart Association. (Photo courtesy of Mercy Tiffin Hospital)

Among the 50 walkers were cardiac “survivors” who were given red hats and led the walk. Michael Denike, cardiologist, addressed the group and stressed the importance of healthy lifestyle habits. Wooden hearts, in memory of or in honor of family and friends with heart disease, lined the walking path. A physical therapist from Optima led the walkers in warm-up stretches before beginning the event.

“Thank you to everyone who donated or walked to promote awareness of heart disease as the number one killer in the United States,” said Kathy Weaver, coordinator of the Mercy Tiffin cardiopulmonary health and rehabilitation department and chairperson of the Heart Walk planning team. “We plan to purchase blood pressure monitoring equipment, educational displays, more free-hand weights and possibly a Wii-Fit with the money raised through this event.”

Special recognition was given to the top 12 contributors: Kathy Weaver, Dr. Michael and Jennifer Denike, Larry Kisabeth, the Colatruglio/Smeltz family, the Clouse/Painter/Huth family, Jim and Linda Chudzinski, Carol Lofay, Satoko Kortlandt, Dale Thornton, Amy Spoon, Dave and Jan Shelton, and Dave and Phyllis Seislove.

Following the walk, participants enjoyed refreshments donated by S & S distributors, Rimelspach Farm Market and Michelle Zimmerman. Blood pressures were checked by Mercy Tiffin nurses and a dietitian shared healthy eating tips and information.