The Queen’s Health System was a proud supporter of this year’s American Heart Association’s Hawai’i Heart Walk. More than 2,800 walkers joined together the first Saturday in August to raise awareness for heart disease, the leading cause of death in Hawai’i. Participants were able to take part in physical activity, learn more about their heart, and receive a routine health screening to identify potential cardiovascular risk factors.
QHS kicked off the festivities as the 2022 Heart Walk Start Sponsor. Queen’s Cardiologist Dr. Zia Khan, who is also the American Heart Association’s Hawai’i Division Board President, welcomed walkers during the early morning program and commenced the countdown to start the Heart Walk.
“It was an honor to lead the start of this year’s Hawai’i Heart Walk,” said Dr. Khan. “We were unable to join together in-person for a few years, so the beginning of this event was a special moment in seeing our community back in action making strides for heart-healthy lives. The education and fundraising efforts will have a long-lasting impact on heart disease and potentially save lives.”
More than 135 employees and family members from QHS participated in the Heart Walk, which included the four teams: QHI Healthy Hearts led by Pearl Whittaker, Brainiac Maniacs led by Nicole Gustie, QCIPN led by Tracy Lindo, and Queen’s West Happy Hearts led by Mazie Coloma.
“The start line was bursting with excitement and a sea of blue shirts worn by our fellow QHS employees, their spouses and family members,” said Pearl Whittaker. “It was so fun to see everyone walking together and connecting about this important health topic.”
QHS team members raised more than $17,000 to fight heart disease and support longer heart-healthy lives. QHI Healthy Hearts held the honor of second place on the list of the 2022 Hawai’i Heart Walk’s Outstanding Fundraisers, and QHS was listed as a top five company.
In addition to the event walk, a Health Fair offered many opportunities for heart-healthy education. Several QHS employees volunteered their time and expertise as part of the American Heart Association’s Stroke and Advocacy booths.
The 2022 Hawai’i Heart Walk was a success for the community, encouraging heart-healthy lifestyles and raising money to further research for the fight against heart disease.
