The American Heart & Stroke Association of Central Louisiana recently achieved a milestone, which would not have been possible without the volunteers and donors in Miss-Lou.

The 2007-2008 campaign goal for the American Heart & Stroke Association of Central Louisiana was $300,000.

As of the end of our fiscal year on June 30, the campaign total was over $302,000!

The American Heart & Stroke Association is a national, volunteer-based organization and can not achieve its mission of “building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke” without the help of local volunteers.

I would like to thank the committee and teams that participated in 2007-08 Miss-Lou Heart Walk for helping our organization reach its campaign goal.

The committee and teams raised approximately $40,000 for the American Heart & Stroke Association.

In addition, the local community turned out in droves to support the committee, teams, and our local poster family, the Huffs.

This event was not only a financial success, but it was also very successful in providing awareness and education to the community about heart disease and stroke.

I would also like to extend a special thanks to Mrs. Ruth King of Jonesville and the entire Red Dress and Red Tie committee for their service to our organization.

Mrs. King and the committee coordinated the Red Dress and Red Tie luncheon and raised over $5,000 in donations to benefit the American Heart & Stroke Association’s research and education programs.

The committee also provided an educational and awareness opportunity by inviting Dr. Freedman to speak to the luncheon attendees and by handing out educational materials provided by the American Heart & Stroke Association.

Thank you for your continued support and your help in the fight against our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers — heart disease and stroke!

JoAnn M. Marshall

regional director, American Heart & Stroke Association