The 43rd annual WSUL Heart-A-Thon will take place this Friday, February 19th on WSUL 98.3 FM from 6 AM to 6 PM. and WSUL.com. 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 helps both the Harris and Callicoon campuses of Garnet Health Catskills (formerly CRMC) 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 43 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.”
The past couple years 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 as well as much needed cardiac rehab telemetry software.
This year’s event donations will be used to purchase a portable echo cardio machine. 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.
The equipment purchased in past years continues to help save many lives and be a help in treating patients with heart disease.
Gary Siegel 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!”
Siegel added, “We can only hope we never need the emergency heart services provided by Garnet Health. However, should the need unexpectedly arise, we certainly would be grateful to have the continued best care possible. You can help insure that by making your donation today. We are all stakeholders in ensuring that the Heart Unit in our local hospital is the best that it can be.”
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, especially during these trying Covid-19 times, we show support of our local hospital. Pledging a donation during the annual WSUL 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. Special events have popped up. Local celebrity Joanna Gass held a video concert, and participated in a takeout dinner.
Donations will be accepted throughout the day on Friday, as the event is broadcast live on WSUL.
Call in your donations at (845) 794-9898
You can donate online at https://www.givegab.com/campaigns/98-3-wsul-heart-a-thon-3c265099-0450-414e-a56b-425787225618
The annual event will broadcast live on WSUL, 98.3 FM from 6 AM to 6 PM. and WSUL.com
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.