Walk to raise awareness and funds for heart disease prevention and research
Raleigh, North Carolina - Colon Terrell, a heart attack survivor and retired banker from Raleigh, NC, is walking 3,000 mile walk across America on a journey he calls “Heart Trek USA”.
Terrell, whose goal is to walk approximately 20 miles per day, hopes to raise awareness of our nation’s No. 1 killer, heart disease, and funds for American Heart Association. Terrell has set a goal to raise $50,000 from donations for research and education supported by the organization. Heart Trek USA will take Terrell through 11 states and 8 pairs of walking shoes as he makes his way to Santa Monica Pier in California by September 2012.
Terrell suffered a heart attack on Valentine’s Day in 2009. A former marathoner, heart disease was the last thing on his mind when he began to experience what he thought was severe indigestion.
“Suddenly, it felt like someone had hit me in the left elbow with a hammer and the chest pain, nausea and sweating became intense. I said to my wife ‘ I’m having a heart attack,’” said Terrell.
Terrell was rushed to the emergency room where after a battery of tests he learned that all five arteries on the front of his heart were 90 – 95% blocked. Terrell underwent open heart surgery and doctors replaced the five blocked arteries with one from his leg and four arteries from deep inside his chest wall.
After recovery, Terrell and his wife Brenda began exercising, lost weight and eating a healthier diet. Terrell, who retired in December of 2011, decided that he wanted to do something to celebrate his second chance at life and motivate others.
“My hope is that my walk will inspire people to make positive changes in their health and lifestyle so they can prevent heart disease and live stronger, longer lives,” said Terrell.
This May Terrell is walking through Mississippi and Arkansas on his way toward Dallas, TX where the American Heart Association National Center is located.
For more information about Heart Trek USA and to follow Terrell’s blog visit www.hearttrekusa.com or like him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hearttrekusa.
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