USF Bull Nurse Team walks to fight heart disease
University of South Florida College of Nursing participated in the 2013 Tampa Bay Heart Walk on Nov. 2 at Raymond James Stadium. The annual Heart Walk was hosted by the American Heart Association (AHA) to help raise awareness about heart disease.
The USF Bull Nurse team, under the leadership of Debra Friedrich, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, CLS, FNLA, assistant professor and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration director, took part in the 3.2-mile walk to help raise money to fight heart disease. The USF Bull Nurse team raised $1,580, which will go towards heart and stroke research.
USF Bull Nurse Team (left to right): Catherine Nelson, Chelsea Thibault, Judith Noreau, Instructor, Leslie Lockett, MS, RNC-MCC, CMSRN, Dr. Friedrich, Assistant Professor and Concentration Director for Oncology, Cindy S. Tofthagen, PhD, ARNP, AOCNP, Associate Professor and Concentration Director for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Ponrathi Athilingam, PhD, ACNP, FAANP, Visiting Assistant Professor, Kathi Katz, PhD, MSn, RN, NEA-BC, Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean for Master’s Program & Academic Affairs, Brian Graves, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC.
“Thank you to everyone who helped support the Tampa Bay Heart Walk this year,” Dr. Friedrich said. “Despite the rain, the Bull Nurse Team was out there having a great time. Thank you to the students, staff and faculty who participated.”
According to AHA, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of people in the United States. An estimated 83 million adults suffer from the disease, and 2,200 people die each day. Heart disease also kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, the organization reports.
The data highlights the need for immediate action. The USF College of Nursing is doing its part to help reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Every year, the college joins AHA in the annual Heart Walk to help promote physical activity to build healthier lives and reduce heart disease. During the 2012 Heart Walk, the USF Bull Nurse team raised $2,890.
“This is a great fundraiser which gives us an opportunity for us all to join together to promote heart health,” said Dr. Friedrich. “Heart disease and stroke impact all of us, but because of events like the Tampa Bay Heart Walk we can make a difference.”
For information on how to get involved or donate visit the AHA’s Heart Walk Website.
For related stories on previous USF College of Nursing’s Heart Walks visit the College’s News Page here.
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