American Heart Walk - Saturday, June 3, 2006       (Posted 3/17/06)

Genesis, the regional leader in heart care, is rallying a large team to participate in the American Heart Association's 2006 Quad Cities Heart Walk.  

Genesis employees have raised money in many different ways - from a used book sale and selling pins for "Go Red for Women Day" to holding a drawing for a stained-glass heart created by employee Lucy Schmidt.  "The Genesis team is open to our employees, patients and their friends and families," says Karen Doy, Cardiac Rehab.  "Last year, the Genesis team had 30 team captains and more than 100 walkers." 

The walk will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 3 at John O'Donnell Stadium in Davenport.  Walkers will follow the walking trails along the Mississippi River, cross the Rock Island Arsenal Bridge, walk a route through downtown Rock Island, and come back to the Iowa side from the Centennial Bridge.  The route is just over 3 miles.  Registration begins at 8 a.m. 

The goals of this year's walk is to raise $230,000 to fund much-needed cardiovascular and stroke research in the Quad Cities region.  Currently, the American Heart Association is funding 37 cardiovascular research projects worth $4.94 million in Iowa. 

Funds raised through the walk will support American Heart Association local research, community services, and public education services.  To sign up as a walker or to donate, call Karen Doy, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Genesis, at 421-6996 or the American Heart Association office at 323-4321.  You can also register on-line at www.heartwalk.kintera.org/quadcities.