Heart disease is the number one reason why we lose our loved ones.

“And, it’s been that way for 90 years,” said Annette Toney, co-chair of the 2016 Pike County Heart Walk. “To change that, we have got to fight obesity, watch our cholesterol, assess all the risk factors for heard disease and change our lifestyles. That’s what the annual Heart Walk is all about –raising awareness of heart disease and raising funds for research and education.”

Toney said “Life is why” the Pike County Heart Walk joins with hundreds of other communities across the state to raise funds for the fight against heart disease.

“The Heart Walk is our main fundraiser each year and we invite all of Pike County to participate,” Toney said. “We don’t set a goal for the Heart Walk because every penny that is donated brings us closer to eliminating heart disease as the number one killer in the United States. Pike County has always been very generous in giving to the Heart Walk and we appreciate every dime and dollar.”

Toney said teams are being formed for the 2016 Heart Walk and friends, neighbors, churches, organization and businesses are encouraged to form a team and find new and creative ways to raise funds for the American Heart Association. The 2016 Pike County Heart Walk will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, February 18 at the Troy Recreation Center.

To register a team in the 2016 Heart Walk call 566-7270.

“The Heart Walk will be a night of celebration with a heart-healthy dinner and entertainment by Shelia Jackson and the Pike County High School Jazz Band,” Toney said. “We’ll have health care booths and a kids’ corner where they can learn about heart health in a fun way and just play and have a good time. Of course, the Survivors Walk will be the highlight of the event and everyone will be invited to walk in celebration of the lives that have been saved and in remembrance of the lives lost.”

Other important dates for the 2016 Pike County Heart Walk are Go Red Day on February 5 and the Red Cap Breakfast on February 13.

“The ‘Go Red’ T-shirts are on sale now and we have them in short and long sleeves,” Toney said. “The short sleeve shirts are $10 and the long sleeves are $15. For extra large sizes, add a dollar.”

Shirts may be ordered by calling 566-7270.

“The ‘Red Cap Survivors Breakfast’ will be at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Park Memorial’s Family Life Center,” Toney said. “We invite everyone who is a survivor of heart disease or stroke to join us for this special time together. We have a list for the breakfast but any survivor who is not sure they are the list is encouraged to call 566-7270 as we are trying to update our list but you don’t have to be on the list to attend the breakfast.” Toney said donations to the Pike County Heart Walk are always welcomed and can be dropped off with Tracey Davis at the Troy Bank & Trust Main Branch in Troy.