PARTICIPATE IN THE NWA AMERICAN HEART WALK MARCH 29

The American Heart Association needs more than just a few good University of Arkansas faculty, staff and students to take part in the Northwest Arkansas Heart Walk, which at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, will try to raise $200,000 to fight heart disease and stroke in our region.

"What we really need are hundreds of University of Arkansas volunteers willing to organize into teams, collect at least $100 in sponsorships per participant, and walk for about two miles in this event, which begins and ends at the Bud Walton Arena," said Roger L. Williams, associate vice chancellor of University relations and the UA’s company leader for this year’s walk.

"This is an opportunity for the University community to do something merciful and good for our friends and neighbors in Northwest Arkansas, where heart disease and stroke are far and away the biggest killer of those same friends and neighbors," Williams said.

For example, in 1998, heart disease and stroke killed 11,331 Arkansans, nearly twice as many as were claimed by the No. 2 killer, cancer, with 5,950 deaths, according to the Arkansas Dept. of Health Vital Statistics.

Proceeds from the Northwest Arkansas Heart Walk will be used for cardiovascular research (29 percent), public health and education (28 percent), professional education for health care providers (9.8 percent), and community service (6.5 percent), with the remainder going for the infrastructure costs of fundraising and management.

"While the heart walk has a serious purpose, the event itself takes place in an atmosphere of fun and games," Williams said. "UA participants and teams can earn prizes based on the amount they raise. The event will also offer refreshments, a health fair and children’s activities after the walk.

"It’s especially important the U of A plays a leading role, as this year’s event is being organized by UA people," Williams added. "Fred Vorsanger, manager of the Bud Walton Arena, is the general chair, and Frank Broyles, men’s athletics director, and John McDonnell, men’s track and field coach, are honorary chairs. Not only can we be of material aid to our friends and neighbors, but we can show support for these three outstanding Razorbacks through our participation this year."

For those wishing to serve as team captains from their academic or administrative unit or student organization may email Williams at rogerw@uark.edu. For further information or to join as a team captain or walker, go to http://AmericanHeartWalk.kintera.org/NorthwestArkansas