Each January, a special group of people meet for the Dutchess Ulster Heart Walk Kick-Off Luncheon at Marist College and each year it has been my privilege to emcee the event. Monies raised through the walk help fund the largest non-government funding source for heart and stroke research, the #1 and #5 killers of Americans.

This year, the Dutchess Walk will take place on Saturday, March 25, at a brand new location, on the campus of Marist College, with it's beautiful views of the Hudson River; while the Ulster Walk will be Sunday, April 2, once again at SUNY New Paltz.

Every year, at the luncheon, we get an opportunity to meet the Heart Walk Honorees, individuals and families who have been impacted by heart disease and stroke and whom are willing to share their stories in the hopes of helping to save others. This year the honorees are Madison Dallies and Matthew Burchell, two children with amazing stories of survival.

This year, the Dutchess Ulster Heart Walk goal is $403,000. We hope that you will walk with us, or form your own team of family and friends.  You can dedicate your team to a survivor or walk in memory of someone. When our community comes together, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish. Your support helps all hearts.

More From WPDH-WPDA