BIDMC Team and Sox Legend Bill Lee Raise $34,000+ in Heart Walk
BIDMC walkers raised more than $34,656 and hosted legendary Red Sox pitcher "Spaceman" Bill Lee at the Boston Heart Walk Saturday. The funds will support the American Heart Association's cardiovascular research, emergency and education programs.
After an initial shower, the weather turned sunny and walkers enjoyed 1-, 2- or 6-mile walks along the Charles River, starting at Walk headquarters at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. The CardioVascular Institute, organizer of the BIDMC team, provided hospitality for its walkers, along with BIDMC Food Service, which donated food and drink.
Lee served as honorary co-captain of the BIDMC team along with cardiologist Joe Kannam, MD. In the BIDMC tent, he chatted and signed autographs for walkers from BIDMC and elsewhere. He wore a 1903 vintage Sox jersey because he was scheduled to play in an old-timers game near Worcester in the afternoon. His famously playful personality was on display as he demonstrated the Red Sox' warm-up routine and posed for photos with a giant heart model.
Top hospital fundraiser?
As of Monday, the BIDMC appeared to be retaining its lead in a "Top Hospital" competition sponsored by the AHA. The Boston teaching hospital that raises the most funds in this year's walk will house a traveling trophy for the coming year. The AHA will continue to accept Heart Walk donations until Oct. 15 when it closes the books.
While the number of walkers on the BIDMC team dipped to 137 compared to 164 last year, several new teams were formed, including BID-Needham and BID-Milton teams. Lauren Kovach of BIDMC Dermatology headed the team that raised the most money. Team Kovach, with 11 members, raised $3,810 in memory of Lauren's late father, Tom Kovach, who died of heart disease.
In conjunction with the Heart Walk, BIDMC Chief Executive Officer Kevin Tabb, MD, participated in the dedication of a heart-healthy trail on the Esplanade. BIDMC is official sponsor of the trail as an offshoot of its sponsorship of the Heart Walk.
To learn more about the Heart Walk, go to
bostonheartwalk.org. To make a donation until Oct. 15, go to the
BIDMC team page and choose any BIDMC team.