This year would have been Jerry’s 25th Richmond Heart Walk. Since 1999, Jerry has been dedicated to raising funds to support the life-saving research and programs supported by the American Heart Association. Jerry was born with a heart murmur and always knew he would need a valve replacement one day. He ended up receiving two valve replacements, nearly 30 years apart. After undergoing heart surgery 23 years ago to replace his aortic valve for the second time, Jerry had witnessed firsthand the life-saving medical advances made over the decades since his first valve replacement 45 years ago.
Sadly, our Jerry passed from this world on January 22, 2018. His commitment to the Heart Walk and the work of the AHA continues. To quote Gerald, “It is the research they have funded that has given me a new lease on life – so I feel it is my privilege to raise funds for critical research and education for now and the future with the Heart Association.” Another organization that Gerald passionately supported is Mended Hearts Chapter 28 of Richmond, an organization providing support for those dealing with heart disease. Jerry always said, “it feels great to be alive and to help others”. This is the mantra of Mended Hearts which he embraced every day and taught everyone he knew. As a member of Mended Hearts, he visited and inspired many thousands of hospital patients with heart disease. He also founded Mended Little Hearts in Richmond, providing hope and support to children, families and caregivers impacted by congenital heart defects.
We hope you please join us for the walk on the morning of October 19, 2024 in Innsbrook, where we will celebrate Jerry’s life and walk alongside the many heart disease survivors in our community, who return each year to this walk, wearing their red and white caps and leading the walk with the flag.
