Heart Walk 2012

                                         

 

Despite the seemingly overnight 30 degree temperature change,
hundreds of people came out to the Vanderbilt campus on Oct. 6th to support the 2012 Heart Walk and raise money for heart disease research. Many different organizations, family, friends, and of course our pets pals showed up and showed out raising a total of $1,588,180. With a friendly atmosphere filled with eagerness and high spirits, the sun quickly came out to help us in this mission.

Benefits of Walking:

•   It is one way to burn calories and keep you toned.
•   Helps to beat breast cancer.
•   Gives you time to meditate and relax.
•   You can do it anywhere!

Many sponsors were in attendance including Walgreens, Jenny Craig, and Publix (green bags). Publix provided us with lots of nutritious snacks. What kinds? Well I chose:

• Orange- Great source of vitamin C and flavonoids (antioxidants that fight against aging and disease) which protect against heart disease.
• Banana- Excellent source of potassium, which helps maintain a regular heart beat.
• Bagel- Whole wheat, which also helps lower your risk for heart disease.   

Coffee was also available which I am not a big fan of, but Did You Know that consuming caffeine  before a workout or physical activity can increase your performance? Well, on second thought, maybe a little sip.



Publix as well as Walgreens
distributed reusable
bags, way to be ecofriendly!



The Walgreens Crew was absolutely amazing!!

 









 

Before the walk began there were a few visitors that stopped by to see us!

 Shrek and Puss in Boots teamed up to wave and cheer on walkers, putting a smile on everyone's faces.

The Titans Cheerleaders and I

  Our furry friends big and small came to walk as well! With handkerchiefs, sweaters, and memorial collars, these pals were ready to go.     

                                                    

Groups come together to take their "green screen'' photos

The staff and volunteers truly made this event successful.

  

Soul Incision brought us cover after cover of all of our favorite songs. Everyone got a chance to move and shake a little to "I Will Survive" and "Play That Funky Music" while exploring and seeing all of the different booths. Find Out More

       As the walk began, I modeled Fisk University paraphernalia representing my alma mater. The walk was a 5K which is equivalent to 3.1 miles. This distance is not too long,but as a sprinter, I was a little nervous for my future runs. Once we came around to West End Ave. however, and heard the supportive "You guys are awesome" and "You guys can do it" calls, I felt so much more motivated and will definitely be up for the challenge.

                               

     Nearing the finish line the cadence from the Pearl Cohn's  marching band, just as at the starting line, motivated all of the walkers to finish strong. Everyone then watched as they showed off some of their performance skills.

 

 

At my very first Heart Walk, I was able to see first hand how this disease affects loved ones. As memorial plates adorned the shirts of many, the grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and even baby #28 Days were all being honored. Being the #1 killer of Americans I was so enthusiastic to aid in this mission of raise funds and also  awareness.

Dedication to loved ones, survivors, and fighters!