Bring out the sunscreen and water; it’s that time again! Florida Atlantic University takes on the responsibility of hosting the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk on Sept. 27.
For the last five years, FAU and Start! Heart Walk have collaborated to promote awareness for the nation’s number one killer, heart disease, and the number three killer, stroke.
FAU will host the Start! Heart Walk to bring Boca Raton and the surrounding communities together to support a good cause and give students participating an opportunity to be civically engaged in community issues.
“I’m very proud of the fact that our university is an integral part of the community, as well as a center of education,” FAU President Frank Brogan says. “Hosting [Start! Heart Walk] is just one example of how FAU is reaching out to the greater community to bring people together to solve problems.”
According to the AHA Web site, Start! Heart Walk is their signature fundraising event, and promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun family environment.
“Every year, the AHA teams up with FAU because it is a central location in southern Palm Beach County, and it is a great way for students to get involved,” says Jose Herrera, FAU’s Start! Heart Walk team captain.
FAU student Ryan Breault says that walking is a simple exercise that all Americans should incorporate into their lives, and that he is fortunate to come from a family that is aware and is doing things to prevent heart disease.
“I won’t be participating in the heart walk this year, but I hope to make it in the future, because it is a great cause I should support,” Breault says.
Over 400 faculty, staff and students are expected to attend this year’s Start! Heart Walk in an effort to try and meet this year’s goal: $325,000. FAU exceeded its goal in 2007 when $23,500 was raised – the initial goal was $20,000. The money raised during this event comes from the fundraising done by the teams or individuals participating. Money can also be raised the day of the event by anyone sponsoring someone walking.
“I know that walking is good for me, because it’s printed on cereal boxes,” says computer science major Rhapsodii Gerdes. “It’s good that FAU is hosting the Start! Heart Walk because it is beneficial to students.”
How to Participate:Nationally sponsored by Subway, AstraZeneca and Healthy Choice, Start! Heart Walk will be based in front of 20th Street on FAU Blvd, close to the University Village Apartments.
Festivities are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The 2.8-mile walk starts at 9 a.m. and goes from Palm Beach Plaza Circle, around 20th Street, FAU Blvd., El Rio Canal and then back to 20th Street.
Directions to Start! Heart Walk:From I-95 North/South bound, Exit at Glades Road and go east. Approximately 1/2 mile on the left, You will see the Florida Atlantic University campus. Turn left onto FAU Blvd. Parking is available in Lot #1.
