Special
Events - Georgia PH Fun Walk
GA PH Fun Walk Going Strong in Second Year!
Adapted and excerpted from “When Robin met Sally” a story submitted to Persistent Voices by PHA volunteer writer Valerie A Yarborough
PHA Board Member and patient Sally Maddox had met Robin Merrit at the PHA International Conference in Miami in 2004 and immediately became friends. She saw something special in her and knew that she would be an asset to the group, so she asked her to become a leader of her Rome-based PH Support Group. Sally then asked if she would help put together a fun walk for PH. Robin was elated as she remembered pondering at the conference what could she do to help raise money for research. Now was her chance to not only make money but to make a difference.
They had only 2 months to plan this event. So they immediately went to work to map out their strategy. Robin found the perfect place, a golf community where the paths were easier to find and only about a mile long. It ended at a park and community recreation center. Just what the doctor ordered!
For sponsorship, they went out into the community and found supporters to donate banners, signs and refreshments for the event. They were shocked to see how much support they received for their first event. Many companies were gracious in their giving and their donated items were raffled off. Local sponsors such as Pulix donated bottled water. Target, BJ’s and Country Gardens gave gift cards for raffles. Robin’s husband’s employer, AirTran, donated $1,000 worth of airline tickets. Staples donated an office chair. They were also given an Ipod and a patient donated a TV. Sally ordered t-shirts and was in charge of getting donations of $1,000 from pharmaceutical companies. Accredo sponsored lunch for the day.
“The best part of doing this is the awareness. During the process of talking to people in the community, they ask me about PH because they have never heard of it, and I get to teach them about it and many say that may be what is wrong with them… and if I can help save someone’s life that is wonderful and rewarding,” Robin states proudly as she gears up for the next big event. In 2005, their second annual event raised over $13,000 and had 65 walkers. This is an increase in dollars raised and participants in their first event in 2004.
Robin and Sally believe they have met their goal, as the walk grows larger each year. They do have something on their wish list for 2006—and that is to get more patients involved in the process and planning. Last year they had a wonderful young man named Josh, who lost his best friend to PH. Josh helped out a lot, but much more help is always needed. With everybody’s assistance more people including doctors will be educated about PH. If you are interested and able to help this worthy cause and need direction, contact Robin Merrit and Sally Maddox as they continue to work, walk and win the battle against pulmonary hypertension. Contact Robin Merritt at rpiper4922@bellsouth.net and Sally Maddox at SKmaddox@bellsouth.net.
