Bayhealth is top fundraiser in state for heart health

The Southern Delaware Heart Walk was one for the record books with premier sponsor Bayhealth far exceeding its fundraising goal, becoming the American Heart Association of Delaware’s top health system fundraiser in Delaware with more than $51,000 donated.

This comes just a week before Bayhealth, AHA, Food Bank of Delaware and Food Rescue Hero Network launch a first-in-the-nation food rescue program.

Droves of Bayhealth team members and clinicians packed Rehoboth Beach Nov. 6 as a sign of their commitment to fighting heart disease and making their community a heart-healthy one. And some of Bayhealth’s cardiovascular patients walked with their care providers.

Bayhealth interventional cardiologist Roberto Scaffidi, MD, served as chair of the Southern Delaware Heart Walk. As a cardiologist, he knows the meaningful work AHA does to support those who are battling heart-related conditions.

“I’m not surprised that we exceeded our goal,” said Brittany Newman, BS, RDCS, Bayhealth Heart Walk committee member and clinical echo supervisor. She spearheaded the GotSneakers fundraising initiative where more than 1,200 sneakers were donated – putting sneakers onto the feet of those in need and raising funds for the Heart Walk. “Everyone at Bayhealth was excited to support the Heart Walk this year. We know that AHA’s mission works hand-in-hand with our cardiovascular programs, and our community population health and wellness programs.”

“What a beautiful day we had to support heart-healthy initiatives for our families and neighbors across the state,” said Rosi Wurster DNP, RN, MPH, NEA-BC, Bayhealth senior vice president and chief nurse executive, who participated in the walk with her family.

“Bayhealth, AHA and Food Bank of Delaware will launch our nation’s very first food rescue program, called 302 Food Rescue,” said Wurster. “Lack of access to healthy food is a key factor for many Delawareans who are battling heart disease among other key health conditions. Ten percent of our neighbors across the state go without healthy food – one in seven of those Delawareans are children. As a nurse, it’s concerning to me, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that’s doing something about it.”

To learn more, go to 302FoodRescue.org and Bayhealth.org.