What if you could help reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by 2020? Most of you would say “awesome!” Maybe this goal even brings to mind a family member or friend who was on the losing end of this battle.
By day, I am an e-learning instructional designer creating interactive, e-learning videos for our Planview Enterprise customers. By night, I am a father of four, husband, nonprofit safety director (working with Travis County law enforcement on safety awareness programs), a member of the Austin Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Youth Mentor with the Texas National Guard Texas ChalleNGe Academy, and sixth year American Heart Association – Heart Walker!
Planview Walks Austin
Planview started participating in the Heart Walk nine years ago after a former executive suffered a massive heart attack – starting an annual tradition of promoting wellness and education around heart disease prevention and to raise money for the research – my family and I have been along for the ride ever since.
Like so many, this cause is personal to me. Not only is heart disease the number one cause of death in the United States but 10 years ago it took the life a someone very special, my sister-in- law, Rose, changing mine and my family’s lives forever.
On the day of the walk, together with family, friends, and coworkers (and our dogs) we make our way along beautiful Auditorium Shores at Town Lake (now named Lady Bird Lake) and Lake Austin Boulevard.
My wife and kids and I proudly wear our “In Memory of Rose” stickers to celebrate my sister-in-law’s life. For us, it’s a wonderful way to remember Rose, remind our kids the importance of daily exercise, and honor those in the community that has been impacted heart disease. As part of the Planview tradition, we meet before the event for our team photo which is displayed in the Austin headquarters (Planview Team 2015 photo) and walk as a team for the three miles.
As Muhammad Ali said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” No matter the cause, we should all do what we can to give back to create a better community.
Come walk with us or donate to the cause. Together, we can make Austin healthier and live longer lives. Why? Life, of course.
Update: We had a great time at the Heart Walk on Saturday in beautiful Austin. Planview had more than 60 participants and we raised more than $7,500 for the American Heart Association. Here’s a picture of some of the team. See you next year!
