Chairman sets $400,000 Heart Walk goal

John Carrigg has asked the community to raise $400,000 in next April’s Southern Tier Heart Walk.

Mr. Carrigg, president and chief executive officer of UHS, is chairman of the 2020 walk.

In remarks at the Heart Walk Executive Leadership Breakfast at the Holiday Inn in Binghamton Nov. 7, he offered words of encouragement to all those who will be participating in the 31st annual walk.

He praised the walk’s Executive Leadership Team, which he described as the advisory board and leading representatives of the AHA’s mission in conducting the annual walk.

And he noted that everyone involved in the event has a reason why they sign on each year.

“The why for me is both personal and professional,” he said. “On a personal level, I have seen several family members affected by cardiovascular disease. On a professional level, I have seen the negative impact of heart disease and the positive impact of beneficial research and world-class treatment, right here in our own region.”

Also at the breakfast, UHS cardiothoracic surgeon Rohit Shahani, MD, provided insights into the health ramifications of hypertension, along with a compelling personal reflection on how the condition affects the lives of heart patients.

UHS has been designated a “Life is Why” sponsor of the 2020 walk, and is further partnering with the AHA in “Check It! Southern Tier,” an effort to encourage people throughout the region to check, change and control their blood pressure.

Mr. Carrigg said UHS is proud to embrace the campaign and the AHA’s overall “Check. Change. Control.” approach to blood pressure awareness “because it is an evidence-based hypertension management program that empowers participants to take ownership of their health by using careful self-monitoring.”

Franklin Fry, executive director of the AHA, thanked UHS for taking a lead role in these efforts and said the April 5 walk will be a high point in the effort to beat heart disease.

“That’s where we raise money and awareness, and get people moving,” he said.

The walk will be held on Sunday, April 5, 2020, on the campus of SUNY Broome.