Editor’s Note: The Athens Messenger partnered with Race for a Reason organizers to promote the many charities this event benefits through participants’ donations. Returning this year is the “Racing With the Athens Stars” initiative, which featured “local celebrities” and their Reasons for participating. This is the third in a series of articles featuring community members who plan to participate in the race. The 2024 OhioHealth Race for a Reason is set for April 26-27.
The events are scheduled at Ohio University and are hosted by AECOM Ohio University Center for Sports Administration and Ohio University’s Valor military ministry.
OhioHealth employees Megan Beatty and Jackie Treadway are both running this year’s 5k for Athens Has Heart. The OhioHealth Foundation fund was founded in 2016 by Dr. Vipin Koshal.
The Athens Has Heart fund provides support to OhioHealth patients and to the community. As this fund grows, so too will OhioHealth’s ability to provide important care and services in the region, including program development, patient education, and community outreach.
The fund’s initial project priority is providing financial support to local schools and youth teams for cardiac defibrillators. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to help a person suffering from cardiac arrest. When a defibrillator is used within the first five minutes of collapse, chances of survival increase dramatically. Through the OhioHealth Foundation, the Athens Has Heart Fund, 25 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been provided to community partners and schools in southeast Ohio since 2016.
To donate to Athens Has Heart, community members can select Athens Has Heart as their reason when registering for the race, or visit the OhioHealth Foundation website https://foundation.ohiohealth.com/ or, contact OhioHealth Philanthropy Adviser Tara Gilts at (740) 566-4539.
In addition to Athens Has Heart, OhioHealth has three other reasons to choose from: OhioHealth Healthy Moms and Babies, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital Nursing Fund and OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital Cancer Support.
Let’s meet Beatty and Treadway.
Megan Beatty
Megan Beatty, of Logan, is director of HeartWorks and a clinical exercise physiologist at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital.
How long have you been participating in Race for a Reason? I participated about 10 years ago but haven’t been able to since due to schedule conflicts. I am excited to be participating again this year.
If you have participated before, what’s your favorite thing about the race? The energy and passion of the individuals participating and the fun atmosphere!
How did you become involved? My employer, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, is a sponsor and is promoting this event. I heard about it through them. My schedule was finally open this year to allow me to participate in the event. I am excited to join my colleague Jackie and run this race together. It is a wonderful event and great way to support some amazing causes.
What is your reason? OhioHealth Athens Has Heart. I have been working with cardiac patients for over 17 years now. The reason I chose Athens Has Heart as my reason is because I have a true passion for helping my patients learn to live a heart-healthy lifestyle. I have witnessed the effect that proper education and motivation can have to improve and even reverse heart disease. My patients go through some very serious life-threatening events before they come to me. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression and despair. I provide support and help them build confidence so they can get back to doing what they love. Bringing back their drive and passion for life and helping them realize that they have control over their health and longevity is extremely rewarding. It is my passion and the reason I love my job.
Why are you supporting your reason? Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable. We need proper resources and support to continue to provide the best possible care to those affected by this disease.
Why should other people participate? This is an amazing event with a huge variety of wonderful causes and it promotes a healthy community.
Jackie Treadway
Jackie Treadway, of Guysville, is manager of Patient Access Services at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital.
How long have you been participating in Race for a Reason? This is my first time, but I have heard wonderful things about this event.
How did you become involved? I was asked by a representative from my employer, OhioHealth, and felt this was a great opportunity to do something fun and for a great cause.
What is your reason? OhioHealth Athens Has Heart
Why are you supporting your reason? I lost my father to a heart attack and want to do something to raise awareness of how important it is to pay attention to your body to prevent these things.
Why should other people participate? It is a great way to raise awareness and support our community. It’s also a great way to meet others who share your enthusiasm!
Is there anything else that you would like to share? I am 63 years old, and started running two years ago to get into shape and improve my overall health and wellness. This will be my first public run, and I am so fortunate to be able to do it with my good friend, Megan!
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