Every year, about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., and accounts for 25% [610,000 people] of all deaths, and much more to ongoing illness and lost productivity. This year the PLH Group Women’s Resource Group took on the challenge to coordinate efforts, form teams, encourage co-workers and join the annual American Heart Association Heart Walk. A march that a million people have already walked—to be one of the ‘heart heroes’ from across the nation joining with the American Heart Association in raising funds for lifesaving science through their annual Heart Walk.

Back in August—well ahead of the event on September 14^th—the PLH Group Women’s Resource Group Heart Walk team set a goal to collect $20,000 in donations. In just about a month, they came together to raise just under $7,000 for the American Heart Association, and after adding in PLH Group’s $5,000 matching dollars, they have received 94 donations for a total of $12,491.00 raised to date.

On the big day, at the base of the Reunion Tower on 300 Reunion Blvd E. in Dallas, Texas at 8:30 am, PLH Group had their Heart Walk team to demonstrate the importance of this mission—to prevent heart attack and stroke and bring awareness to a healthy lifestyle because, according to the CDC, the number of American adults with diagnosed heart disease is now 28.2 million, which is 11.5%. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease and half of Americans (47%) have at least one of these three risk factors. The cost of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is staggering! Heart disease costs the United States about $200 billion each year, including the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity, not to mention the loss in quality of life.

Although this year’s Heart Walk is over, the Women’s Resource Group is continuing the drive to raise funds through the end of the year to meet their goal. A portal on the American Heart Association website for the PLH team makes it easy for anyone interested to support their team and the AHA:

https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=4431&pg=company&company_id=221410

And, anyone may donate directly to The American Heart Association on their website or by sending a check to: 105 Decker Court, Suite 200, Irving, TX 75062.