PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There was a sea of red outside of Citizens Bank Park Saturday morning, but it had nothing to do with the Phillies. Instead, it was a mass of people walking to show support for cardiovascular health.
Thousands of people turned out to the stadium complex in South Philadelphia for the American Heart Association’s Philadelphia Heart Walk. The event featured both 5k and 1-mile options for walkers.
“We’re here to support all the healthcare workers and support the cause of healthy heart living and those that have cardiovascular disease. We’re here to support them and raise money and awareness for that awesome cause,” said Chris Dearing, a nurse in Chester County.
Heart disease is the top killer of people worldwide, with nearly 18 million deaths a year according to the World Health Organization. Dearing is one of many who says it’s touched his life personally. “My father had a heart attack in the past, had to be taken to the hospital and treated, so I’ve seen it on the professional side. I’ve seen it on the personal side, and most people here today would probably share the same stories.”
Before sending the walkers on their way, one of the organizers asked the crowd to raise their hand if they knew someone who was affected by a heart attack or stroke. Most of the walkers’ hands went up.
Neederah Coles said she was walking to show people there are simple things you can do to manage your heart health. “I am managing and living with some vascular issues as well as hypertension, but a lot of these things are, you know, we’re predisposed to it, because of our ethnic backgrounds, our age, and so forth,” she said, also recommending people keep communication open with their doctors.
“You still have to watch and manage what you eat as well, as well as medication therapy. Depending on if you’re into holistic health or Western medicine. You can work with your provider to manage heart disease.”
The walk raised just over $1.8 million as of Saturday morning, less than $500,000 shy of organizers’ $2.3 million goal.