Monday, November 16, 1998
Volunteer residents set pace in research fundraiser
WALK: Participants hope event will honor survivors,
draw attention, money toward heart disease, stroke
By Hemesh Patel
Daily Bruin Contributor
At 24, Sebastian Hitzig underwent open-heart surgery for an
infection in his heart valve and suffered two strokes during the
operation. He then suffered cardiac arrest while working out at the
gym.
Sunday, residents of Los Angeles’ Westside participated in the
American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heart Walk at UCLA. The event
was held to benefit survivors such as Hitzig.
While the event was hosted by celebrities such as Christine
Devine (an anchor from Fox News) and KFI-AM 640 talk show host
Debra Rich, local officials were also present to show their support
for the cause.
Everyone has come together "to walk all over heart disease and
stroke," Devine said. Heart disease and stroke kill more than
960,000 Americans each year.
The walk started at Pauley Pavilion and continued to the
northeast side of campus where participants turned around and
returned to the Pavilion.
"I never did drugs or alcohol, I wanted to get associated with
the program and get the word out about heart disease," said Hitzig,
who is now 26.
In Los Angeles County during 1996, 25,233 residents died from
heart disease and stroke, according to the association. This figure
represents 42 percent of all deaths in Los Angeles County.
"The American Heart Association affects the quality of life of
millions and millions of people in this community," said Carol
Lugo, executive director of the program.
In addition, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings and
computerized risk assessments were offered to walkers at the
event.
Dr. Thomas Klitzner, president-elect of the Western States
Affiliates of the association, was a second-time participant this
year. He said UCLA has benefited in the past through research
grants and funding.
The American Heart Association has held a walk at UCLA three
times in the past, said Klitzner. This year he participated as a
pace setter and was responsible for recruiting a team captain.
"In the past, UCLA has received over a million dollars (for
research)," said Tamra Mariott, an executive director with the AHA.
According to Mariott, 1,500 people were expected at the walk.
Those participating in the walk included 200 company teams,
between 200 and 250 representatives from the UCLA Medical Center
and 40 to 50 members of the Alpha Phi Sorority.
"(The Heart Walk) is a national event, and 12 walks have been
held in Los Angeles County so far this year," said Mariott. The
fundraising goal this year was $115,000.
Many volunteers with the walk participated to support family
members who suffered from heart disease and stroke.
"It is important to get involved to have outreach, support and
awareness," said Linda Shufflebotham, a volunteer for the heart
walk and nursing student at Santa Monica College.
Some people involved this year participated in the walk for the
first time.
"If everyone gets together and makes a small contribution, the
results can be huge," said Kirsten Salmeen, a first-time
walker.
Other festivities involved children’s entertainment and
performances by Caravana, an Afro-Latin rock band.
Walk participants warned that heart disease and stroke can
strike anyone.
"Fifty percent of teenagers are showing signs of heart disease
by the age of 16," said disease survivor Tim Messer. "It kills
athletes, teenagers and children. It’s an equal opportunity
killer."BAHMAN FARAHDEL/Daily Bruin
Lisa Frutos, a nursing graduate student, takes the blood
pressure of Danae Farrelo, an employee at the UCLA Medical
Center.
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