Mouth That Roars

Bill Liblick has made a name for himself of 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.

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February 10th, 2022

Support WSUL Heart-A-Thon Annual Event Friday at Resorts World Catskills

The 44th annual WSUL Heart-A-Thon will take place this Friday, February 11th at the Resorts World Catskills from 6 AM to 6 PM and will be broadcast on 98.3 WSUL Radio. Everyone in Sullivan County should participate.

 Over the years this vital fundraising event has raised substantial monies enabling the purchase of equipment for both the Harris and Callicoon campuses of Garnet Health Catskills (formerly CRMC).

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 44 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.”

James added, “This is an event near and dear to me. I serve as the longest volunteer for this event, attending the very first Heart-a-thon 44 years ago when it was at the Apollo Plaza. My father, who would have turn 100 this past week, told me to keep myself involved in making my community better. Dad sent me to that 1st Heart-a-thon figuring I could lend the hand that he and Mom no longer health wise were able to do. And boy, was I trained well.”

“Working along side the likes of David & Shirley Kaufman, Ceil Plotkin and, Sharon Kaplan, I honed my fundraising skills and a year later, after Dad passed away in my arms from his 9th heart attack, I continued the commitment to this cause to help those in our community with heart disease.”

Lori James added, “So, I ask this of you…please donate today in memory of my father, in honor of my years of service to this event, in memory of those who came before who had the vision, in honor or memory of someone you know who has fought this disease or, in honor of someone who you know shows heart in all they do. Whatever the reason, please donate.”

James, concluded, “Lastly, it is not about the amount you donate as most of you know, I know that a whole lot of little makes up a whole lot of lots. Please help me in my efforts to continue raising funds that will be used to purchase much needed cardio care equipment for Garnet Health Catskill. Just a little can save a lot of lives!”

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 echocardiogram 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 in the future at Garnet Catskills.

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 ensure 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 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. Those who wish to participate can do so by phoning in a pledge or visiting Resorts World Catskills.

You can donate online at  https://www.givegab.com/campaigns/44th-annual-98-3-wsul-heart-a-thon

https://www.boldgoldnewyork.com/heartathon

The annual event will broadcast live on WSUL, 98.3 from 6 AM to 6 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.

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