[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 130 (Monday, September 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING THE FRESNO CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION IN 
                    HONOR OF THE AMERICAN HEART WALK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2003

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Fresno 
Chapter of the American Heart Association for hosting the 12th Annual 
American Heart Walk. The event will be held Saturday, September 20th at 
Woodward Park in Fresno, California.
  The American Heart Walk is committed to increasing public awareness 
of walking as a heart healthy exercise, while raising funds to battle 
heart disease and stroke. The event also provides special recognition 
for survivors of stroke and heart disease. It has become the American 
Heart Association's fastest growing special event with 2,500 walkers 
and runners, as well as more than 100 volunteers expected to 
participate this year. By attracting both individuals and corporate 
teams, the walk has seen great communitarian and financial success. 
Although the event itself is noncompetitive, participants take 
seriously the task of soliciting donations which fund the Association's 
many programs.
  The American Heart Association's fundraising goal for the event is 
$200,000: money that will help support research and community outreach 
programs. American Heart Association-funded research is responsible for 
numerous medical advances including pacemakers, bypass surgery, CPR, 
artificial heart valves, and blood pressure medication. Funds raised 
will also go toward educational programs for the community that 
emphasize healthy eating, smoking cessation, high blood pressure 
control, and promotion of physical activity.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to praise the American Heart 
Association for hosting the American Heart Walk. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in wishing the American Heart Association many years of 
continued success.

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