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Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart are national programs jointly sponsored by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and the American Heart Association (AHA).

AAHPERD and AHA



Gene's Story

 

 

 GeneJensen_small Gene Jensen was a non-smoker, avid runner and healthy eater but his right coronary artery was 95% blocked. After finishing the 2009 Columbus Marathon in just under eight minutes per mile, Gene thought he was "in pretty good shape." Still, he went to his doctor for a check-up just in case. He sailed through his stress test without feeling fatigued, but his doctor noticed some depressed blood flow. Gene had a family history of heart disease, so he knew that he was at greater risk in spite of all his efforts to live a heart-healthy life. He opted to have the heart catheterization that was recommended, and on May 29, 2009 the blockage was found and Gene was immediately scheduled to have a stent placed in his heart. The procedure went well and five days later Gene was back to running. "You don't notice decreased capability when it happens slowly over time," he says.
"After getting the stent, I noticed immediately that my level of vitality and mental clarity had significantly improved." Gene has been an avid supporter for the American Heart Association for more than four years both as an individual and through his company, American Electric Power. In 2008 he served as the Start! Central Ohio Heart Walk Chair and led the event to a record-breaking turnout of 15,000 walkers raising over $800,000. "It is very motivating to see the mass of humanity get together for a real good cause," he says. "When you turn around and see a wave of people for nearly a mile, it is truly inspiring." Gene says his favorite part is, "Hearing the personal stories from folks who have quit smoking, or lost weight, or changed their diet – people who are proud of the changes they made."