In 2005, Gail Lewis had triple bypass surgery.

Since 2006, she91裸聊视频檚 been walking in the annual national walk for cardiac health, which took place at Kinsmen Fieldhouse Saturday morning in Kelowna.

The Walk of Life is an annual fundraiser held by the Central Okanagan Association of Cardiac Health (COACH), as part of the Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada.

Participants of all ages warmed up their muscles before heading out on a 1.6-kilometre walk along the Mission Park Greenway.

The walk is the nonprofit organization91裸聊视频檚 biggest fundraiser and this year is the 15th event in Kelowna.

The COACH program aims to provide education and exercise strategies to lower the participant91裸聊视频檚 risk of developing heart disease.

Lewis went through the program after her surgery.

91裸聊视频淭he COACH program has been absolutely phenomenal. It91裸聊视频檚 helping others prosper. Once you91裸聊视频檝e had surgery it can be so overwhelming,91裸聊视频� she said.

91裸聊视频淚 couldn91裸聊视频檛 afford to go through it, so the COACH money raised this way will help someone like me go through the program.91裸聊视频�

The walk brought out a lot of smiling residents.

91裸聊视频淓veryone91裸聊视频檚 so enthused by it, so many of them have had heart troubles,91裸聊视频� said Lewis.

Through her walks, Lewis has raised approximately $30,000 on her own after being inspired by the program.

The event sees between 100 to 200 people each year who are typically alumni of the program and their families, said lead organizer Jennifer Taylor.

Walking is a big part of cardiac rehabilitation, 91裸聊视频渁nything to get your heart pumping,91裸聊视频� said Taylor.

91裸聊视频淚 think that rehab is just so important. We know that people who attend cardiac rehab have a lower rate of remission into the hospital, so it91裸聊视频檚 actually a cost saving thing,91裸聊视频� she said.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 good to draw attention to the fact this program exists.91裸聊视频�

She expects to raise around $35,000 from the event.

carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .