Heart of the Community Walk to Benefit Community

Rome, GA; Lace up your walking shoes, and plan on participating in the first annual Heart of the Community Walk. The walk, sponsored by Redmond Regional Medical Center and Harbin Clinic, kicks off at 10 a.m. with pre-walk festivities beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Citizen’s First Bank.

The walk, previously benefiting the American Heart Association is now raising proceeds for the Heart of the Community Foundation, a local non-profit organization that invests in Heart related projects in the Rome and Floyd County community.  The Heart of the Community is a foundation sponsored by Redmond that, among other endeavors, supports the operations of the Heart House, a place for families of critically ill patients on the Redmond campus, placed a fitness station at Ridge Ferry Park, placed AED units in public agencies around the community and held community heart education seminars.

This year’s honoree is Jennifer Scott, a mother of triplets who developed Peripartum Cardiomyopathy during her pregnancy, a serious cardiac condition that only occurs in 1 in 3000 pregnancies.  This condition caused heart failure with ejection just seven hours after delivering her children.

Jennifer says, “The next week was a blur of tests, monitors, doctors and medications as my family and medical team fought to save my life.” Because of excellent medical care and technology, Jennifer’s life was saved and now almost five years later is doing fine. 

“The walk is an excellent way to remind people to consider their heart health and to take active steps to a healthier life style,” Says Heart of the Community Walk Co-Chair P.J. Miller, Data Analyst for Redmond. “Participating in the fundraising and the walk is one way Redmond is able to give back to the community, remember those who suffered from heart disease and inspire others to take conscious steps to protect themselves from the disease.”

Summer Waddell, a Heart of the Community Walk Planning Committee member and mother of a child who suffers from heart disease says, “The walk to me means helping others gain knowledge about Congenital Heart Defects.”

While there is no entry fee to participate in the walk, participants are encouraged to raise funds prior to the walk and turn in all proceeds at the event.  Participants are encouraged to get creative with fundraising.  Redmond holds blue jean days where associates pay a small amount to dress down on Fridays.  Among other events are bake sales, Valentine’s Day gifts for sale, lunches and raffles.

In addition to raising money for the community, the walk also raises awareness for heart disease and honors survivors.  Fruit and water will be provided at the event for all participants.  The walk is approximately 3 miles and shorter routes are available.

For more information about the walk, call MedLine at 800-242-5662.

Redmond Regional Medical Center is a 230 bed facility, serving as a referral source for all of Northwest Georgia and parts of Alabama.  Including its healthcare partners, Redmond has over 245 physicians with more than 30 specialties and a support staff of approximately 1,200 associates.  For a physician referral call Medline at 800-242-5662.