Chris Lenhart (middle-left) and mdc board chair Phil Trier (middle-right), both of U.S. Bank, pose in support of the American Heart Association’s Twin Cities Heart Walk. The 2017 Heart Walk takes place Saturday, April 29 at Target Field. (Photo provided: Chris Lenhart)
Chris Lenhart began participating in the American Heart Association’s Twin Cities Heart Walk back in 2012 more out of association than personal connection. Part of the U.S. Bank family, Lenhart initially got involved thanks to encouraged participation through the bank’s senior executive team.
Today, he proudly wears a survivor’s cap and walks with a whole new meaning.
Lenhart underwent heart surgery in 2014 to repair an aortic root aneurysm that was growing at a life-threatening rate. The surgery was unexpected, as was the aneurysm—at 41 years old, Lenhart showed no signs of health risk and initially did a heart scan because he had $100 left in his medical pre-tax account.
“A friend told me he had just done a heart scan, which showed no abnormalities but gave him peace of mind as his family had some history with heart issues,” he said. “I thought, ‘Well, rather than a 27th pair of glasses, let me use my pre-tax dollars and buy some peace of mind.’ Turns out I got more than I bargained for.”
On Saturday, Lenhart will be walking with thousands of others in downtown Minneapolis at the 2017 Twin Cities Heart Walk. The event kicks off at 7 am inside Target Field with the opening ceremony beginning at 8:45 am. Participants can choose to walk a one- or three-mile route through the North Loop in an effort to raise awareness and funds for battling heart disease and stroke.
Everyone has a reason why they walk each year. Because of his surgery, Lenhart’s “why” evolved into something much more personal.
“I was incorporated into a community of survivors and survivor allies that I had previously only viewed from afar,” Lenhart said. “I also started asking the question about, ‘Where do all the dollars go?’ rather than just attending to be a good corporate citizen.”
Lenhart said the beauty of the Twin Cities Heart Walk is everyone can have their own reason for taking part. They can do it to get exercise on a Saturday morning in April. They can do it because they promised friends and family they’d attend. They can do it for fundraising, for being part of a team, or for wanting to invest in heart health in the Twin Cities.
No matter why you walk or donate, the effort all works toward a common goal:
- American Heart Association (AHA) is currently providing more than $5.8 million to fund 35 research studies in Minnesota alone.
- AHA trained more than 12.4 million potential lifesavers in CPR nationwide, including more than 210,000 Minnesota residents.
- AHA passed legislation in Minnesota to create a statewide stroke system including designated stroke hospitals and EMS protocols for proper triage. As a result, more than 80 percent of Minnesotans now live within 30 minutes of proper stroke care, up from 58 percent.
- And much more.
For Lenhart, part of the experience is the ambiance as well. The walk begins and ends at Target Field, so you’re able to enjoy unique access to the stadium on an off-day. That, coupled with the downtown skyline and the leisurely walk through the North Loop, adds to a fun morning in our community.
But more importantly, the Twin Cities Heart Walk offers tangible results that might help save someone you know.
“Everyone has been touched in some way by heart health issues—family, friends or other loved ones,” Lenhart said. “By providing financial support to the Heart Walk, you are standing with those who have been personally touched by these issues. And though I hope it isn’t true for you, like me you may be paying it forward by funding research or programs that you or your loved ones may one day benefit from. It’s a worthwhile investment.”
He’ll see you there, proudly wearing that red survivor’s hat.
