by Marianne Christy
Donna Myers of Old Forge, a longtime participant and fundraiser for Utica’s Great Ameri-can Heart Run & Walk, is among four individuals who have been named Red Cap Ambassadors for the 2016 event that will be held Saturday, March 5th.
Myers was selected for the honor due to her 14-year event participation and for her efforts in enticing family and friends—locally and throughout the United States—to walk and raise funds for the American Heart Association.
The announcement was made at the media kick off event held at the Yahundasis Golf Club on Thursday, November 12, where she and fellow ambassadors shared their personal experiences with heart disease.
For the next three months she will be spreading the message through the organization’s upcoming Radiothon, Telethon and other media outlets, including 30-second commercials that can currently be viewed on local ABC affiliate, WUTR (Time Warner Cable channel 20.)
Myers’ participation in the Heart Walk began in 2002 when her mother Midge began experiencing heart problems.
Her mother succumbed to heart disease in 2005, an affliction that also claimed the lives of four more of her mother’s seven siblings.
Obviously hereditary in nature, Myers’ experience became even more personal when she suffered a heart attack five years ago and underwent triple by-pass surgery.
Once again she invites all to walk with Team Zimmer, named in honor of her mother’s family, at the event which this year includes a half-marathon.
So far, team participants include family and friends from New York, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, Kansas, Virginia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Ohio and Hawaii…and more are welcome.
Last year Team Zimmer raised over $2,000 for the American Heart Association, but this year Myers has set her goal at $3,000.
Anyone wishing to support the team with a donation can send checks made payable to American Heart Association to: Donna Myers, P.O. Box 976, Old Forge, NY 13420. Online contributions can be made at: uticaheartrunwalk.org. Go to Team Zimmer and find Donna Myers.
Locally, donation boxes are currently available at the TOW Bar, the Back Door, and Gallery 3040.