Tennessee Rhythm Run Raises Funds For Heart Center

Jackson, Tenn (December 5, 2016) – On Monday the Foundation presented Friends of Heart with a check totaling more than $72,000. These funds, raised from the Tennessee Rhythm Run, will provide clinical trials for patients of West Tennessee Heart and Vascular Center.

In September, The Foundation hosted the second annual Tennessee Rhythm Run in Downtown Jackson, becoming what is the largest fundraising race in the 17 county area surrounding Jackson. The event consisted of a marathon, half marathon, and 5K and is the first marathon and half marathon to focus on a downtown route.

Photo of Foundation President Frank McMeen presenting a check to Friends of Heart represented by Janet Silver and Bob Arrington.

“I am very proud of what we are accomplishing with the Tennessee Rhythm Run,” said Foundation president Frank McMeen. “We wanted to partner with Friends of Heart to provide cutting edge medical treatment to our most critical heart patients, and the funds we have raised will help make this happen.”

Friends of Heart is a recently established fund with the Foundation with four key initiatives:

Clinical Research
Community Education and Resource Development
Staff Education and Development
Construction of a Heart Hospital

“Our goal is to support those in our community and the surrounding areas who are struggling with heart disease,” said Bob Arrington, Founding Member of Friends of Heart. “Heart disease is a significant problem in this area, and we want to be a part of the solution. The money raised from the Tennessee Rhythm Run will help our friends and neighbors who are fighting this disease.”

“We are thankful to the Foundation for partnering with us as we begin to dream of ways we can help heart patients in our area,” said Janet Silver, Founding Member of Friends of Heart. “We want to encourage others to support Friends of Heart and help make a difference.”

“We are grateful to the Foundation for establishing this incredible event to benefit our patients,” Deann Thelen, Vice President of Hospital Services at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. “We also want to thank Friends of Heart for their desire to help fight heart disease locally, and we look forward seeing their goals met in the future.”