Michigan Medicine team members rally around important cause

Today is Rally Day for the 2023 American Heart Association’s (AHA) Washtenaw County Heart & Stroke Walk event, scheduled for Saturday, May 20, at Eastern Michigan’s Rynearson Stadium.

Since 1949, the American Heart Association has funded more than 770 research grants at Michigan Medicine totaling more than $74 million. Current funding of more than $11 million is supporting 34 active projects.

Why support the AHA Heart & Stroke Walk?

The Heart & Stroke Walk is the AHA’s premier annual fundraising event, and Michigan Medicine has been a top supporter of the Washtenaw County walk for many years. The goal for Michigan Medicine this year is to raise $40,000 to support life-saving science and help local community members live longer, healthier lives.

“Our fundraising goal is higher than in years past,” said Bethany Lee-Lehner, M.S.N., R.N., director of Patient Education and Community Outreach at Frankel Cardiovascular Center, and company co-lead for this year’s event.

“Funds raised for the AHA can have a major impact on the health and well-being of people in our community and beyond,” she said. “We know that if we rally together, we can make a real difference!”

What does Rally Day mean for Michigan Medicine?

“Rally Day is an important day as we gear up for the Heart and Stroke Walk,” said Annemarie Lucas, MHSA, Transplant Center administrator and Michigan Medicine company co-lead for the event.

“This is a day when we strive to have the majority of our teams and walkers signed up for the event,” Lucas said.

By the end of the day today, Lucas and Lee-Lehner hope to have achieved the following:

• Recruit 20+ teams for this year’s Heart & Stroke Walk. Mission accomplished: there are 21 teams currently signed up for the event but there’s plenty of room for more!
• Recruit 150+ walkers to participate in the event. The organization is almost halfway to its goal, with more than 70 walkers registered.

How can I participate in the AHA Heart & Stroke Walk?

It’s easy to get involved! To create or join a team, or make a donation, visit the Michigan Medicine AHA Heart & Stroke Walk web page.

Heart Heroes apparel

In addition to supporting the Heart & Stroke Walk directly, Michigan Medicine team members can purchase newly designed U-M Heart Heroes t-shirts and sweatshirts. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will count toward Michigan Medicine’s fundraising goal.

“We hope you will join us in supporting the AHA this year,” said Lucas. “Let’s rally together for a great cause!”

Questions about this year’s event can be directed to Bethany Lee-Lehner or Annemarie Lucas.