Local participation lauded

Thank you for playing a part in building healthy hearts!

I would like to thank every participant, volunteer and donor in Caledon for doing their part during Heart Month and making a difference. Your money has fuelled the very best research and health education. Your commitment to our efforts is sincerely appreciated.

Our goal for Heart Month this year was to raise more than $350,000 and I am proud to announce we are already more than half-way there, with the rest to come through in March. Special mention goes to local schools that participated in Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart, organizations like Fines Ford as well as our hundreds of canvassers for partnering with us in our effort to build healthy hearts and meet our goal.

Your support has made these groundbreaking discoveries funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation possible:

* Discovery of a heart-produced hormone to help regulate blood pressure.

* Development of a procedure allowing surgeons to repair "blue baby syndrome."

* Pioneering the artificial heart for transplant patients.

So to you I say thank you. I appreciate your efforts and generosity of spirit. You have proven that together we truly can make a difference!
                  Shawn Keba
                Area Manager
              Heart & Stroke
Foundation, Peel Chapter