Findlay group shows it has good ‘Heart’

The 21st annual Las Vegas Heart Walk and 5K run, scheduled for Oct. 13 in downtown Las Vegas, is expected to be a giant success, according to organizers who gathered for a kickoff event recently at the Mob Bar. Backed by a long list of local businesses, including Findlay Automotive Group, the event is moving from Mountain's Edge to downtown and will start with registration at 7 a.m. the Fremont Street Experience.

The kickoff included event chairman Tyler Corder, chief financial officer of Findlay Automotive Group, and American Heart Association Executive Director Jason Belland.

Melanie Baldwin, who has undergone five open heart procedures in the past 45 years, presented a compelling and touching speech. One of her surgeries, in 1990, was when she was sixth months pregnant.

"I had surgery in April and had the baby in July," she said . "I have a pacemaker now and I also have quality of life. Right now, I currently have not only a pacemaker but also titanium aortic valve. My last surgery was 12 years ago at St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, where my pig valve was changed to a mechanical valve."

After her last heart surgery, Baldwin became involved with the American Heart Association.

"I was in my own little world and had not been involved until a chance meeting with someone from American Heart Association in Reno. They asked me to be involved and I have been involved ever since. It's not just elderly people who are affected by heart disease. We are all at risk and the Heart Walk gives me the chance to tell others my story and that they will be fine. Just because you have heart issues does not mean that you need to give up. I have been a guinea pig most of my life, but there is value in that because it has helped me, along with many others."

Baldwin, whose first surgery was in 1967 in Newcastle, England, praised the route that will be taken in this year's Heart Walk.

"I think this walk will be more accessible for people to attend and it will be more visible," she said. "I'm really glad that people will be able to come downtown this year."

"Melanie was born in the 1960s. If she had been born in the 1950s, she wouldn't be alive today because the technology to save her life wouldn't have been available," Corder said. "It's an example of the progress made by research funded by the American Heart Association. Melanie is someone who has refused to give up no matter the odds and we're thankful to have her help promote the Heart Walk/Run."

Corder said he is pleased the event is being held in downtown Las Vegas where changes have rejuvenated the area. The walk route will pass by the Mob Museum, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the new City Hall.

"We're expecting this event to be a huge success and our goal is to raise $300,000 to combat heart disease and stroke in our community," he said.

Corder said cardiovascular diseases kill 2,200 Americans each day - one every 30 seconds .

Further information regarding the American Heart Association and the Heart Walk and 5K run can be found by visiting www.lasvegasheartwalk.com or www.heart.org.

Further information regarding Findlay Automotive Group can be found by visiting findlayauto.com.

Findlay Automotive Group was founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay and has grown to 27 new-car dealerships in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho. The group, has participated in AHA programs for several years. Its local dealerships participate in AHA fundraisers and outreach programs throughout the year. Combined, they raised about $40,000 in 2011 and look to exceed that amount in 2012. All funds raised support much needed research grants and educational outreach.