Duke Medicine is proud to be a presenting sponsor for the 2011 Triangle Heart Walk.

The money that is raised each year is used to fund the valuable research, education, and advocacy efforts of the American Heart Association -- an organization that touches many lives within our community and across the nation.

Why I Walk: Stories from Triangle Heart Walk Participants

Cardiovascular disease is the number-one killer of all Americans. It is a disease that impacts a diverse population of men, women, children, and even infants.

It is often overlooked that heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined -- including breast and ovarian cancers. Also, many do not realize that congenital cardiovascular defects are the most common cause of infant death from birth defects.

Because the reach of heart disease and stroke is so broad, countless lives are impacted directly and indirectly. From this impact comes many stories of hope, survival, loss, endurance, and inspiration. Voices from survivors, caregivers, friends, and family members are raised. Some of these voices can be heard at Duke Medicine.

Elizabeth Foust, who works alongside Richard C. Becker, MD, director of the Duke Cardiovascular Thrombosis Center, participates in the walk every year. She walks in memory of her grandfather and in honor of a Duke heart transplant patient whom she now considers family. Learn more about what brings her back to the event each year.

Mark Constable, RN, program director for stroke at Duke University Hospital, walks for his patients, whom he cares passionately about. His hope is that he can help raise awareness so that others may learn how to prevent stroke and its disabling effects.

Cathy Richey, MA, RCEP, exercise physiologist for Duke Cardiac Rehabilitation, walks knowing that the funds she is raising for cardiovascular research and educational programs are touching lives within her community -- including her patients.

One of DukeHealth.org’s writers, Ashley Hardin, will be walking with the Duke Medicine family. Follow along as Ashley blogs about the day’s events.

Share Your Story

Please post a comment to our blog to share your own stories of how heart disease or stroke has affected your life and why you are participating in the Triangle Heart Walk.

If you haven’t registered to participate, it’s not too late. Anyone can participate. Sign up today to walk, as an individual or to join a team, or to support Duke Medicine and this great cause.