Courtesy photo. Click on photo to see more images from the event.
CENTRAL COAST — More than 1 in 3 Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease.
Santa Barbara resident and owner of Tri-County Produce, John Dixon is all too familiar with this devastating disease. He was born with heart disease and had his first open heart surgery at age 10, and his second in 2004 receiving a mechanical heart valve. His sister Sherry had open heart surgery at age 44 and is living with her third pacemaker. In 2012 his brother Mike also needed a heart valve replacement. In 2015, his beloved father Jim Dixon suffered a severe heart attack and received a stent. Three days later his brother Mike suffered a heart attack and died. Two months later, their father also passed away. Unfortunately, stories such as John’s are all too common. In an effort to fight cardiovascular disease, John Dixon and hundreds of other Santa Barbara community members and businesses came together for the Santa Barbara Heart & Stroke Walk/Run, held on Saturday, September 25, 2016 to raise more than $210,000.
The crucial funds generated at the Santa Barbara Heart & Stroke Walk/Run will be used to support research and initiatives that promote prevention, treatment, community outreach, and improved patient care in areas related to: heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. – killing about 2,200 Americans each day – one every 40 seconds. To combat these statistics, the AHA has invested in more than 250 cardiovascular related research projects at California institutions and continues to focus on the need in our local communities.
Walkers started the picturesque 5k route at the Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort and walked along scenic East Cabrillo Boulevard. A one-mile option was also available for stroke survivors. Before the walks, participants had the opportunity to explore the Health Expo area which included a Kids Zone, educational booths, and heart-healthy food.
Top fundraisers for the Santa Barbara Heart Walk include:
- Top Company Fundraiser and Top Team Fundraiser: Tri-County Produce raised $12,625.
- Top Individual Fundraiser: John Dixon raised $11,925.
Subway is the national Heart Walk sponsor. Presenting sponsor of this year’s Santa Barbara Heart Walk is Union Bank. Local top sponsors also include Wells Fargo and Montecito Bank & Trust.
For more information regarding the Santa Barbara Heart & Stroke Walk, please visit www.sbheartwalk.com