WESTBURY, N.Y. — A team of about 40 enthusiastic Crystorama Lighting employees and their families joined more than 4,000 fellow Long Islanders on Sept. 18 for the American Heart Association’s annual Long Island Heart Walk.
The three-mile walk, which started and ended at Jones Beach in Wantagh, New York, raises funds to fight heart disease and stroke, America’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers, respectively. The popular event includes teams of employees from local companies, along with friends, family members and other supporters of the American Heart Association‘s ongoing research and education efforts.
“Getting exercise and helping a wonderful cause – what could be better than that?” asked Brad Kleinberg, president of Crystorama Lighting, based in Westbury, N.Y. “We were thrilled to take part in the American Heart Association’s Long Island Heart Walk to help reduce cardiovascular diseases and stroke 20% by 2020!”
This year’s walk held special significance for the Crystorama Lighting team, because Abe Kleinberg — Brad’s father and company founder — experienced a health setback earlier this summer that kept him from attending the June Lightovation show in Dallas.
“Our team walked in support of Abe, and all the many millions of Americans facing heart-related health challenges,” said Brad Kleinberg. “Working together, we can raise the awareness and funds the American Heart Association needs to continue its critical mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.”
During the Long Island Heart Walk, survivors are honored through the wearing of special color-coded caps or capes. Survivors of heart attack, cardiac arrest or heart surgery wear a red baseball cap featuring the American Heart Association logo as a symbol of their bravery. Stroke survivors wear special white caps, while pediatric cardiovascular disease survivors receive red superhero capes to acknowledge their courage.
Hundreds of survivors from across Long Island participate annually in the walk to show that heart disease and stroke can be beaten. The American Heart Association estimates there are more than 71 million Americans alive with one or more types of cardiovascular disease.
“Research has shown walking is the single most-effective form of exercise to achieve heart health,” Kleinberg said. “The benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for as little as 30 minutes each day can help reduce the risk of heart disease.”
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