QCC Student Inspires Heart Walk Teams

WORCESTER, Mass. – Quinsigamond Community College will be sending 6 teams of people to walk in the American Heart Association’s Central Massachusetts Heart Walk scheduled for April 28th.

Inspired by QCC student Kristina Perham of Millbury, whose 22 month old daughter, Brianna, has a congenital heart defect, six staff members at QCC volunteered to be “team leaders” and they are currently recruiting potential walkers. Perham is one of the top walkers in the Central MA Friends with Heart Team, and her daughter’s photo will be on display as part of the Faces of Heart Disease traveling exhibit.

“Both Kristina and Brianna have been inspirations to us all,” President Gail Carberry said at the AHA Walk’s kick-off event in March.  “I am thrilled to see the QCC community rally around this great cause.  We are looking forward to a great day on the 28th.”

The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s signature fundraising event.  The Central Massachusetts walk will take place on April 28th, starting at the Worcester Commons. Heart Disease and Stroke is the region’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, affecting every age and race.

Last year’s Heart Walk raised over $300,000 to fund lifesaving cardiovascular research with over 3,000 walkers taking part.   QCC’s 2007 teams will be wearing bright red sneakers and tee shirts that read, “Team QCC:  It takes a lot of Sole to Walk.”

Steve Sullivan, Vice President of Enrollment & Student Services, has been a key organizer for the QCC teams.  He has been seen around campus wearing his red sneakers, hoping to garner further interest as the walk date nears.

“Everyone at QCC is asking, ‘So who's the guy wearing the red high top sneakers with his suite and tie?’” Sullivan said. “Once they hear the answer, they all want to be a part of the QCC Heart and Sole Team.  We are anticipating a good size crowd all wearing QCC Team t-shirts and red high top sneakers on the 28th.”