The 41th annual WSUL Heart-A-Thon will take place this Friday, February 22nd at the Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) from 6 AM to 7 PM. Everyone in Sullivan County should participate.
Sullivan County is rated one of the unhealthiest Counties in New York State and we must all do our part in turning things around.
It is estimated that cardiovascular disease claims over 600 deaths every year in our county. That is an amazing number for our community and reason enough why we should all take part in this worthwhile event.
Every dollar from the Heart-A-Thon allows CRMC’s Cardio Pulmonary Department to continue its great work to improve the health of Sullivan County.
Many respected television news magazines and talk shows have devoted entire shows to heart disease in recent weeks because it remains the number one killer in America.
All the monies raised in the WSUL Heart-A-Thon stays right here in Sullivan County.
Lori James the longest volunteer to the event, who worked all 41 Heart-A-Thons told me, “This is a community tradition that shows our unity and what we can do to make our local hospital the best that it can be.”
Last year your donations helped to purchase a state of the art Simulated Heart Mannequin, Portable Transport Monitor and a BiPAP Machine used to relieve symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
This year’s event donations will be used to purchase much needed cardiac rehab telemetry software.
In addition funds raised will go to healthy heart educational programs as part of the initiative to improve the awareness and the overall health of Sullivan County. This equipment will help to save many lives and be a help in treating patients with heart disease in the future.
Gary Siegel, Treasurer of the Liberty Rotary Club notes that “Heart disease does not discriminate, slowly destroying the lives of our children and friends. Heart disease knows no love. While we cannot change these alarming strong truths, we can continue to support the educational programs to reduce the risk of heart disease and to encourage the advancement of important research that will speed up the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and to fund the Cardio-Pulmonary Department of the Catskill Regional Medical Center of Harris and Callicoon. Pledges of any amount will gladly be accepted!”
The Liberty Rotary Club has been instrumental in helping to raise funds for this event being responsible for bringing in over 10% of the funds raised each year.
I am aware that Sullivan County is filled with many meaningful charitable events. Whether health related or civic minded, we have dedicated volunteers who collect donations in every way imaginable.
There are special walks, runs, dinners, raffles, and marathons seeking our pledges. Let us not forget all the mail and phone calls we receive from organizations requesting monies.
True, sometimes it seems as if everyone is asking us for money. We also must be careful of charitable scams and solicitations that go to pay salaries instead of fully funding a charitable cause. That is why we should all consider local events and local organizations first.
It is vital that we show CRMC our support. Pledging a donation during the annual WSUL/WVOS Heart-A-Thon will be doing just that.
During the last several weeks Sullivan County residents have been contributing by purchasing hearts from local merchants.
Donations will also be accepted throughout the day on Friday, as the event is broadcast live on WSUL and WVOS. Those who wish to participate can do so by phoning in a pledge, or visiting CRMC’s Garden Level Food Court.
The annual event will broadcast live on WSUL, 98.3/95.7 FM from 6 AM to 7 PM.
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.