For Immediate Release.
July 29, 2020
MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana | Bolt for the Heart announced the second annual 5K Family Run/Walk and inaugural Half Marathon at a kickoff event on Wednesday hosted by event sponsor Franciscan Health Michigan City. The race is set for 9AM, Sunday, Sept. 27 at Washington Park in Michigan City, and 100 percent of the net proceeds from sponsorships and tax-deductible registrations will go to purchasing AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) to be placed into LaPorte County first responder vehicles.
“Our EMS departments do heroic things, however most of the time, since our law enforcement officers’ cars are mobile, they are the first to a scene where someone may need an AED and CPR. These heroes are trained and can be very effective in saving someone’s life. These AEDs will save lives and increase the chance of survival,” said Bolt for the Heart President Pierre Twer.
Twer, who is originally from Michigan City, said Bolt for the Heart will be donating 25 AEDs on Thursday to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. “This is something we do throughout the whole state, and we want LaPorte County taken care of.”
LaPorte County Sheriff John Boyd, who attended the kickoff with LaPorte Police Chief Paul Brettin, noted that LaPorte County is the second largest geographically in the state. “We are first responders, and often times, we’re the first arriving on scene of a medical emergency,” Boyd said. “When seconds and minutes count, this will give us the opportunity to save countless lives.”
As the presenting sponsor of Bolt for the Heart – LaPorte County, Franciscan Health is committed to keeping race participants healthy and safe, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjustments to the race will include social distancing, hand sanitizing, face masks, as well as a virtual race option.
Franciscan Health Michigan City President and CEO Dean Mazzoni said, “We’re confident that we can do this in a safe and responsible way. I know for a fact, because I’ve seen plans, that our event organizers have taken great steps to assure things will be done safely and responsibly.”
“With COVID-19 in our midst, we know that many people are putting off needed routine care and even maintenance care for chronic conditions, which leads to poor outcomes.” Mazzoni said. “It’s more important than ever that our law enforcement officers, our first responders, have this technology at their fingertips.”
Also attending the kickoff was Julie West, founder of the Play For Jake Foundation, which will once again be a participating sponsor in the race. The foundation is named in honor of Jake West, a LaPorte High School football player who passed away suddenly during practice from an undetected heart condition. The organization aims to increase awareness and educate parents and youth about the dangers of undetected heart conditions, a goal that goes hand-in-hand with Bolt for the Heart.
Online registration and sponsorship options for the Bolt for the Heart Family 5K/Half Marathon will be available at www.boltfortheheart.com on July 29.
Bolt for the Heart is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that raises money through generous sponsors like Franciscan Health, donations and family 5Ks/half marathons to buy AEDs for donation to first responders. Bolt has donated more than 2,000 AEDs to date. In 2018 they had a goal to finish outfitting the entire Indiana State Police Patrol team with 134 AEDs., this goal was accomplished. Bolt has donated 465 AEDs to the Indiana State Police to date. LaPorte County Law enforcement patrol cars and the sheriff’s team is the focus now as we partner with Franciscan Health to continue this work from the 23 AEDs donated in 2019.
