The American Heart Association (AHA) local volunteer leaders invite you to learn how you and your company can join together to fight heart disease and stroke.

Standing, left to right: Gary Hilt, Blain Supply, Michele Davis, Blain Supply, Rick Curley, Blain Supply, Scott Willi, 2009 Logistics Chair, Kim Hesgard, Mercy Health System, Sharon Fitzpatrick, 2009 Start! Chair, Randy Golackson, M&I Bank, and Dan Fredricks, Dean Health System. Sitting, left to right: Jane Blain Gilbertson, Blain Supply, and Trish Skram, Mercy Health System.

Bert Blain Memorial Start! Heart Walk • Sunday,August 30, Palmer Park, Janesville

Beloit Start! Heart Walk • Saturday, September 26, Riverside Park, Beloit

What is Start!

Start! is the AHA’s movement to get America walking—at home, at work and everywhere in between. Physical inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease, and it’s a growing problem. Most Americans don’t get enough physical activity. Start! is here to help. With walking programs, tips and trackers, and a community of fellow walkers, there’s no excuse not to be active.

Every year,there are over 400 Start! Heart Walks across the country, mobilizing individuals to raise money and walk with one common goal—to help the AHA beat this country’s number one killer, cardiovascular disease.

The Bert Blain Memorial Start! Heart Walk is AHA’s premier community fundraising event in Rock County. Last year, our fundraising goal was met, bringing in $300,000,and making it the largest fundraiser for the American Heart Association in its market size.

Research funded by the American Heart Association has yielded major advances, such as the heart-lung machine, CPR, life-extending drugs, pacemakers, bypass surgery and surgical techniques to repair heart defects. The Rock County Start! Heart Walks have brought in over one million in funds since their inception.

If you’reinterested in walking, volunteering or donating this year, please contact (608)221-8866 or visit heart.org.