Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of all Americans, according to the American Heart Association. That’s why you’re encouraged to support this year’s American Heart Association 2023 Central Ohio Heart Walk on August 19 at McFerson Commons Park.
Facilities Operations and Development (FOD) Vice President Mark Conselyea and Facilities Design and Construction (FDC) Associate Vice President Kristin Poldemann lead the Heart and Sole team, which walks in celebration for the fight against the country’s number one and number five killers – heart disease and stroke. It's one of many Ohio State teams joining together to support the Heart Walk and raise money for a good cause.
“I’ve had a number of family members and friends impacted by heart disease and I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the American Heart Association’s work,” said Conselyea.
Poldemann hopes the event will serve as a catalyst for positive lifestyle changes.
“I like to encourage anyone to participate so that perhaps this inspires them to adopt a healthier lifestyle, habits, regular exercise, balanced diet, or stress management," she said. "There are so many benefits.”
When you sign up for the Heart Walk, you’re joining over one million people in more than 300 cities across America who are taking a stand against heart disease.
“It’s important to me to build a community within our department (FDC), and we are of course part of a larger community in FOD and the university,” said Poldemann. “This walk brings us together as individuals, families and friends to unite against heart disease and stroke.”
Conselyea said one of the many reasons he’d encourage others to participate is how much the organization impacts the Buckeye community. “In addition to all of the community programs and education, the American Heart Association also funds around $15 million in research at The Ohio State University,” he said. “That is amazing and speaks to the high-quality researchers and clinicians at Ohio State.”
Donate to support Heart and Sole’s efforts by visiting the team page. Want to get more involved? Members of FOD or the Office of Administration and Planning (A&P) can join team Heart and Sole. There is also a broader "Team Ohio State" for non-A&P staff members.
FOD Heart and Sole helped raise more than $8,168 as part of the 2022 American Heart Association Central Ohio Heart Walk, exceeded its fundraising goal of $7,500. During last year’s event, it was announced that The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center was among the top five fundraising companies. In total, the Central Ohio Heart Walk raised more than $1.4 million. Money raised by Ohio State and other Central Ohio organizations funds groundbreaking research and increases education, awareness programs and initiatives for our local communities.