Sentara patients join the American Heart Association’s 2024 Heart Walk
Transplant recipients and patients on ventricular assist devices march to fundraise for heart health
A group of Sentara transplant recipients and patients with left ventricular assist devices have teamed up for the 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Walk to fundraise for the American Heart Association.
Their coach, Rufe Vanderpool of Norfolk, Va., said, “I came out of the operating room with a new heart on St. Patrick’s Day of 2021, and I walk because I know every step saves lives.” Vanderpool, a Sentara patient, has lived through heart failure, three years on a left ventricular assist device, and severe infection. He has had a four-leaf clover tattoo inked over his heart as a reminder of his lucky day.
The 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Walk includes two walks in Hampton Roads in November that raise funds for the American Heart Association, which celebrates its centennial this year. Vanderpool’s team joins teams of Sentara employees who are collecting donations to fight heart disease and stroke.
Nearly nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, according to the American Heart Association. Seven and a half million people in the United States live with chronic heart failure, and only about 4,500 heart transplants take place each year.
Sentara Health has been a champion of the American Heart Association’s efforts to save and improve lives for more than a decade, and Sentara Heart Hospital is a destination medical center that offers nationally recognized, comprehensive heart care.
John Herre, M.D., medical director of advanced heart failure and heart transplantation at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, said that preventing heart disease and stroke is crucial.
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise, avoiding smoking, and paying careful attention to blood pressure and diabetes are important for cardiovascular health,” explained Dr. Herre.
Detecting heart disease early is key to securing prompt treatment. Sentara’s specialists perform routine heart checkups and provide patients with the tools to maintain a stronger, healthier heart.
To sign up for the 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Walk, you can visit the event website.
The Peninsula Heart Walk is November 2, 2024, at Fort Monroe, located at 310 Fenwick Road, Fort Monroe, Va.
The Southside Heart Walk is November 16, 2024, at 24th Street/Stage/Park, located at 2400 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, Va.
Their coach, Rufe Vanderpool of Norfolk, Va., said, “I came out of the operating room with a new heart on St. Patrick’s Day of 2021, and I walk because I know every step saves lives.” Vanderpool, a Sentara patient, has lived through heart failure, three years on a left ventricular assist device, and severe infection. He has had a four-leaf clover tattoo inked over his heart as a reminder of his lucky day.
The 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Walk includes two walks in Hampton Roads in November that raise funds for the American Heart Association, which celebrates its centennial this year. Vanderpool’s team joins teams of Sentara employees who are collecting donations to fight heart disease and stroke.
Nearly nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, according to the American Heart Association. Seven and a half million people in the United States live with chronic heart failure, and only about 4,500 heart transplants take place each year.
Sentara Health has been a champion of the American Heart Association’s efforts to save and improve lives for more than a decade, and Sentara Heart Hospital is a destination medical center that offers nationally recognized, comprehensive heart care.
John Herre, M.D., medical director of advanced heart failure and heart transplantation at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, said that preventing heart disease and stroke is crucial.
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise, avoiding smoking, and paying careful attention to blood pressure and diabetes are important for cardiovascular health,” explained Dr. Herre.
Detecting heart disease early is key to securing prompt treatment. Sentara’s specialists perform routine heart checkups and provide patients with the tools to maintain a stronger, healthier heart.
To sign up for the 2024 Hampton Roads Heart Walk, you can visit the event website.
The Peninsula Heart Walk is November 2, 2024, at Fort Monroe, located at 310 Fenwick Road, Fort Monroe, Va.
The Southside Heart Walk is November 16, 2024, at 24th Street/Stage/Park, located at 2400 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, Va.
By: Jen Lewis