Hiker vs Biker Challenge

Happy Feet PERRY vs. Hot Wheels CARROLL

Me turn down a challenge? Not likely.

My CEO, Allen Carroll was in a serious bicycle accident last year. He is an experienced long distance cyclist and was on a ride in Monks Corner when a pit bull ran out and attacked his bike. He was thrown, breaking fifteen bones. Happily for all of us, after a long and painful recovery he is back at work and back on his bike.

Mr. Carroll lives in Mount Pleasant and is aware that I am more of a walker than a biker. He threw out the challenge, that if I would walk to work from Roper Hospital in downtown Charleston to Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital (West Ashley) he would ride his bike from Mount Pleasant Hospital (closer to Awendaw).

Hmmmph. I can do that.

We figure it should take us each about two hours and we've set the date for Friday, June 24th. We are making it a fundraiser for the American Heart Association and I am accepting sponsors. How hard is that? Eight miles? You can sponsor me for $1 a mile! How affordable am I? He will have to ride about 35 miles.

I already have $50 for my cause! Ha! I set up a team page so feel free to support one of us: AHA Donation Web Site. There is probably a minimum donation on the web site so I accept cash or you can mail it directly to AHA for Hiker or Biker: American Heart Association, 409 King Street Suite 300, Charleston, SC 29403.

I went ahead and posed for the "after" shot. I definitely see a happy hour at the end of this day. Fun!

National Go Red Day

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, S.C.

I LOVE working with people who go along with my whacky ideas! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Visit the national Go Red day website for ideas on ways to stay healthy yourself and prevent heart disease.

Heart Walk Wrap Up

Heart Walk Captain's Thank You Party, Fiery Ron's, Charleston, S.C.

I hosted a little thank you shin dig at Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ last night as a heart walk wrap up. I am the company leader for Roper St. Francis Healthcare and I have the most incredible team this year.

We were more whackily creative than ever this year with projects from cupcake decorating contests, book sales, men in red dresses, wine tastings and zumba classes. We raised over $56,500 (our goal was $40,000), had at least 700 participants and I am proud as punch.

I hosted the event, did the certificates and awards but someone turned the camera on me at the end. Thanks kids! You are great, great, great! I've seen such advances in the care and understanding of heart disease in my lifetime it is a cause I am honored to be part of and I hope you can picture me blowing kisses to any of you, my readers who contributed to the cause.

Vote for AHA moment

AHA Airstream, Charleston, S.C.

Last June I was contacted by the Mutual of Omaha "AHA moment" folks and invited to come to Marion Square to record an "AHA Moment". This photo is from that day.

They went all over the country and apparently are now showcasing some of their favorites and asking people to vote for ones that will be featured on tv. I am terrible in front of a camera, get nervous and talk too fast BUT the cause was Water Mission's International water purification systems. So, if you are inclined, I would appreciate your vote. It might bring attention to this great charity.

It is simple click to vote one time: Click here to vote.

Aha Moments at Marion Square

Marion Square, Charleston, S.C.

I get the coolest emails. Last week I was invited to stop by the Mutual of Omaha's silver Airstream today and have an "Aha Moment" recorded.

Huh? Aha.

The aha moment's homepage definition is: A moment of clarity, the aha moment is a defining moment where you gain real insight - wisdom you can use to change your life.

I was flattered, agreed, and then had to quickly think of what I would talk about. I decided to talk about Water Missions International's neato water purification filter that turns muddy contaminated water into clean safe drinking water.

The hospital I work at raised the money to buy one of the units for a little hospital in Kenya and I was lucky enough to go over and be present when the tap was turned on. The idea that there is a sweet, practical and efficient system to create clear water out of mud just blows me away.

I babbled, I repeated myself. Who knows what I actually said, but they were very welcoming and made it easy. They told me I was welcome to invite YOU to stop by Marion Square tomorrow and have your Aha Moment recorded. They have some appointments but are happy to take walk-ins. Go say your piece!

Besides...who can resist an Airstream?

Pictured, Kait Ebinger, Jessica Henry and Dave Regos. Thanks folks!