Friday, February 13, 2015
LUCOM celebrates National Heart Awareness Month
Fri, 13 Feb 2015Christopher Breedlove :: LUCOM Marketing
Faculty, staff, and student-doctors of Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), hosted a Wear Red event in honor of the American Heart Association (AHA) FUNraise for Heart/FUNraise for Stroke on Friday afternoon. The event was sponsored by the LUCOM student chapter of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA).
“The concept was simple. At the beginning of the month we started a campaign through the AHA and for 13 days we donated to a worthwhile cause, raised awareness on heart disease, and today came together all dressed in red to celebrate the success,” said Kathryn McAndrew, LUCOM-SOMA President.
According to statistics provided from the AHA it is estimated that 1 in 3 women die each year from heart disease and that 80 percent of cardiac events could have been delayed through early recognition of the disease, heart health education, and the prevention that positive lifestyle changes can bring to bear.
As a collective group, the student of LUCOM’s inagural class raised $1,600 in donations to go towards heart disease research.
“LUCOM student doctors have shown once again their desire for service,” said Ronnie B. Martin, D.O., Dean of LUCOM. “Our students have demonstrated the importance of not only the scientific and medical knowledge of the hearts physiology and function, but also the humanistic and philanthropic importance of demonstrating a servants heart themselves.”
As the local student chapter of the nation’s largest network of osteopathic medical students, LUCOM-SOMA aims to take this event beyond the Center for Medical and Health Sciences. “This is the first year for LUCOM-SOMA. As we continue to grow as advocates for this chapter and professionals, our goal is to make this fundraiser and Wear Red event a campus wide success,” said Anya-Faye Pacleb, LUCOM-SOMA National Liaison. “As individuals, we often feel motivated to donate to a great cause. It’s when we engage others to that cause, is when we have the ability to make an even bigger impact.”
Throughout the month of February, donations are still being accepted online.
LUCOM Faculty and Staff pictured above.