Heart Walk Returns to Walkway Over Hudson

By Miranda Reale

HIGHLAND – For the first time in three years, the American Heart Association’s Dutchess-Ulster Heart Walk returned to the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park last Saturday.

Survivors and supporters gathered on either side of the Walkway to participate in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

On a beautiful, sunny morning, opening remarks were given at 9:00am on both sides of the bridge to commence the two hour window walkers, runners, even bikers, had to complete their crossing. Each participant was given a “heart passport” to receive stamps at the beginning, middle, and end juncture of their journeys. Once the three stamps were completed, walkers entered a raffle to win two concerts happening at Bethel Woods this summer.

Volunteers from the American Heart Association collected donations and supplied informational resources for participants last Saturday on the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park in Highland.
Volunteers from the American Heart Association collected donations and supplied informational resources for participants last Saturday on the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park in Highland.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States, as speakers alluded to, but the goal for the Dutchess-Ulster Heart Walk intends to change that. Among the speakers present on both sides of the bridge was Melissa Hannigan of Ellenville Regional Hospital and board member of the American Heart Association, who spoke of the mission to fund under-resourced communities. Since the Covid-19 pandemic the American Heart Association has had to split its funding and focus with the immediate needs of the pandemic. But with fundraisers like last Saturday’s, the community’s support helps to provide the resources needed to raise awareness of heart disease and keep the AHA’s mission on track. “We all walk so we can save lives”, Hannigan said.

A surprising story delivered by survivor and chief nursing officer at Ellenville Regional Hospital, Maria Gonzales, highlights the accountability each person owes to themselves when it comes to heart health. “As a nurse for almost three decades, and with my family history– my mother died in her forties from a heart attack, my father during his sixties from a heart attack, and my sister died from a stroke in her fifties. You would think that as a nurse, when I started to have chest pain and shortness of breath, I would go see my doctor right away. Of course, I’m a nurse, I didn’t do that”, Maria said.

She went on to tell the story of how close she was from suffering a heart attack like her family members. Maria’s left circumflex, an artery in the heart, was 99% blocked. Today, she has a stent but no chest pain and has returned to normal activity. Her message to participants advocated for trusting your gut when thinking something is wrong. “Do not delay and listen to your body; do not be like the nurse,” she said.

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