Run for your Heart

Run for your Heart

February 11^th marked our 11^th Annual Run for Your Heart 5K and 10K race. There were 560 registered participants and 500 runners/walkers crossed the finish line which was a record. We had a record number of sponsors as well so the event was a great success. The weather was amazing, with cool temps and a clear blue sky. This race has become a local favorite. It’s flat, fast and takes you thru the beautiful neighborhood of North River Shores.

Run for Your Heart was started to benefit the Frances Langford Heart Center at Martin Health System. Because of the participation and generosity of runners, walkers and sponsors over the 11 years, the race has raised a lot of money for the center. This year, in addition to The Frances Langford Heart Institute, it also benefited Tykes and Teens and the mLife Committee at Martin Health.  

This race could not happen without the hard work of Martin Health System and all of their amazing volunteers. In addition to the volunteers, the Martin County Sheriff’s Deputies who help with traffic and patrolling the neighborhood to keep everyone safe. www.sheriff.martin.fl.us

Below is a brief history and description of the Frances Langford Heart Institute and Tykes and Teens from their web sites.

Frances Langford’s Legacy: Comprehensive Cardiac Care Close to Home

The opening of the Frances Langford Heart Center in 2006 was the culmination of a 20-year battle to bring life-saving services to the community. This journey started in 1985 when Martin Health first applied for a certificate of need to build an open heart unit. In 2005, a $5 million dollar gift from the Frances Langford Foundation was a significant step toward bringing the Heart Center bearing her name to fruition.

The singer, actress and long-time Martin County resident, who also owned the Outrigger Resort in Jensen Beach, was well-known for her philanthropy in the community and was a staunch supporter of Martin Health System. When she passed away in July 2005, she left a legacy of generosity and caring for the needs of a community she loved.

Langford was joined by many contributors who wanted to play a role in bringing a state-of-the-art heart center to Martin Medical Center.  Among those making a $1 million pledge were the Martin Health Auxiliary, Howard and Elaine Cook, Bill and Pat Lichtenberger and the estate of Raquel Quinn.

Today, the Heart Center offers a full spectrum of services ranging from diagnostic to interventional services such as angioplasty, coronary artery stenting, pacemaker insertions, and internal defibrillator placements, to open-heart surgery and heart valve replacement. Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services are also available through a partnership with the Martin Health and Fitness Centers. www.martinhealth.org

• Tykes & Teens was established in 1996 with the goal of strengthening local families by ensuring that all children have access to high quality counseling and mental health services, regardless of financial status. The agency provides a comprehensive range of programming in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.
• Counseling services are provided on a sliding scale at 3 outpatient locations: Palm City, Hobe Sound and Jensen Beach, and onsite in 13 Martin County schools, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and in the Okeechobee school system. We collaborate with the Healthy Families program in Indian River County, and Infant Mental Health is provided across all 4 counties. 
• Our Prevention Services division has provided more than 300 free community events designed to prevent substance use, dating violence and suicide among local youth, and administers a youth alcohol prevention curriculum in Martin County middle schools. 
• Tykes & Teens has provided direct services to more than 25,000 local families, and also seeks to advocate for increased awareness of mental health in order to remove the stigma and shame often associated with seeking mental health treatment.  If you are in need of counseling services for your child, please call us at 772-220-3439. www.tykesandteens.org

As you can see, two very worthy, local organizations who benefit tremendously from all of your support. We are thankful that you take the time to come out and be a part of this great event. It matters and without your generosity, and the support of sponsors (see list below) it would not happen. From the team here at Fleet Feet Sports, thank you for all you do to support us and these amazing organizations.

We’ll see you out there. Stay safe, healthy and happy.

Edgar and Carolyn

Thank you to our 2017 Sponsors: C&W Technologies, Oceanside Physical Therapy, Stretch Zone, Elements Therapeutic Massage, First Light Homecare of the Treasure Coast, Florida Department of Health, Geico Local Office, Holdy Realty, Mobile Medical Associates, Solaris Senior Living of Stuart, Steger Law, Stuart Ocala Heart Institute, Stuart Cardiology Group, Team Holland, Vital Chiropractic Wellness Center, Zweben Law Group, McCarthy Summers Law Group, NuCO2, Nutrition Smart, Harbour Ridge Yacht and CC, The Gardens of PSL, Kathryn L McHale LLC, Mederi Caretenders, Smoothie King, Sam’s Club and Honey Baked Ham Company.