Third Time's a Charm!

2013 was the third year for the Heart Walk for Ron's Mustache Mafia. As the years go on, it gets a lot harder to raise money even though it's for the same great cause.  So this year, I decided to do something different.  I wanted to stress the benefits of being physically active and heart healthy, and enjoyed running myself.  Therefore, I decided to create a 5k run/walk in memory of my dad.  All proceeds would then go to the American Heart Association from RMM.

Well let me just tell you that it definitely was NOT easier!  I had no idea how much work, time, and dedication had to go into creating such an event!  I still had to ask for money (which if you know me, you know I HATE doing), and had to cross my fingers and hope for a good turnout.  I have to throw in a HUGE thank you to my coworker, Scott Bauer, for doing a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to allow this event to take off.  He is the PE teacher at our elementary school and received a grant from ING- Run for Something Better for his Lub Dub (the sound of your heart beating) running club.  He was able to introduce most of his club members to their very first race by having a separate 2k for the students to run in that day.  Between the 5k and the 2k we were both shocked and thrilled at the amazing turnout!

The moment I knew it was all worth it was when I received this card in the mail along with a check to sponsor my race...

"Thanks for making a difference.  Clint"

Clint Hurdle will forever be my hero.  Reading this and realizing... I AM making a difference, and it's getting noticed gave me the power to keep pushing through and making each year bigger and better!

I'd like to take this moment to thank ALL of our amazing sponsors that helped make this event possible:  Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Holsinger, Clark & Armstrong, Jim Connelly, Dr. McDowell, Rosebud Mining Co., The Grapevine, Indian Haven, PlayBall Sports, Walbeck Insurance, C. Frederick Bowser Funeral Home, Hideaway Cable LLC, Homer City Legion, Indiana Total Therapy LLC, William G. Mechling Insurance Agency, INC., William E. Thompson Insurance Agency, INC., Homer City Bilo, EBS Photography, a donation in memory of Braden Michael, and FastTimes who created our shirts.  Without you, this never would have been possible.  THANK YOU!

Hosting the 1st Mustache Dash was every emotion wrapped in one.  Mustaches were stuck on, I gave a teary-eyed "thank you for coming" speech, the shot fired, and the racers were off!  Racers crossed the finish line, refreshments were enjoyed thanks to Hideaway Cable, and medals were handed out.  Done and done.  My favorite part of the day, in addition to seeing everyone who came out to race and all of my volunteers, was crossing the finish line with my 8-year-old nephew/Godson.  It was his first 5k and he wasn't too thrilled to have to run at first, but once he got in the groove, he was off!  His Pappy Ron would have been so proud:)

Me & Michael Joe

At the end of the day, we were able to donate $2,500 to the American Heart Association from this event alone.  Check out pictures on Instagram using the hashtags 

#mustachedash13 and #ronsmustachemafia

Ron's Mustache Mafia once again earned 1st place in Pittsburgh amongst community teams.  With $7,034 raised, we were awarded "Top Community Team" and "Community Team of the Year."  Over the past three years, we have donated over $22,000 to the AHA.  2014 WILL hit $30,000... mark my word;)

Mom, Cheese Chester, Me

Ending the Heart Walk with a little pierogie celebration!

"Heart" Work Pays Off!

On February 23, 2013 I witnessed one of the most beautiful sights through the American Heart Association.  The 2012-2013 Pittsburgh Heart Ball was incredibly captivating and inspiring.  When I received the invitation for the Heart Ball, I continuously asked, "Why me?"  But my good friend, Brandon Berns, encouraged me to look back on how much I have achieved over the past two years from little Homer City, and I quickly sent in my RSVP.  To be invited to such an amazing ceremony with supporters of heart health awareness made me feel at peace.  As I'm working hard each and every day on things as simple as sticking a mustache on a notecard, I know now that it all pays off in the end... and that it matters... that I matter, and that we will continue to fight for a cure for heart disease for as long as it takes.

"The Pittsburgh Heart Ball raised $1,300,000 to save lives and improve the health of the Pittsburgh community by funding biomedical research, ongoing educational programs, and advocacy efforts in cardiovascular diseases and stroke."  Can you say WOW?!?!  I'm so proud to be a part of this and thankful for those who band together to make it all possible.

Here is a view of the banquet hall... huge props to all of the volunteers who took the time to make it look so gorgeous and welcoming.

And me with the most amazing guys of the evening...

Brandon Berns- Pittsburgh Heart Walk Director and my friend from college.  Representing Slippery Rock University!

 

 My boyfriend, whom I owe so much to.  For turning the bad in my life into positives, for supporting me and my AHA efforts, and all of the encouragement day in and day out.

And of course- Charlie Batch, Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers!  (The picture is blurry because Alan was supposedly "so nervous" around him haha)



This is just proof that not only hard work, but in this case "heart" work pays off in the end!

2012 Heart Walk

On November 3, 2012, the Mafia dominated once more.  This year had a slow start.  I was worried.  Nervous.  Scared.  Upset...but I understood.  The first year you do something like this, everyone is quick to show their support for your lost loved one.  But as you continue the tradition, people realize that you're in it for the long run and they don't want to be caught up in feeling like they "have" to donate and dish out money year after year for your cause.  But I am blessed with amazing people in my life and that's who I've learned to surround myself with.  Ron's Mustache Mafia was well-known in our area now, as well as in the Pittsburgh community.  I don't know why mustaches became so popular this year, but I bet my dad had something to do with it.  His way of telling me and my team to keep up the great work.  So we did!

Like I said before, our first year stirred up quite the competition.  We were neck and neck with another team, fighting to raise the most money for the American Heart Association.  Some people just need to hear "for a good cause" to donate.  But others need something (more than their life apparently) to fight for.  And if first place sounds good to them, then I'll accept!  I hated the thought of competition at first and didn't want my team to get caught up in that kind of excitement.  But I realized that if competition is what raises the money needed to fund research and heart health awareness... then I'm in!  And I had a whole band of mustaches with me. 



Clint Hurdle was this year's co-chair for the event.  Everyone who knows me knows what a huge fan I am of Pirates Baseball!  So when Clint was welcoming everyone to the event that chilly November morning and gave the Mafia a shout-out on stage, I was in HEAVEN!!!  He told us that we better take the mustaches off as soon as the event ended because we were "freaking [him] out!" Haha  I just threw up the ZOLTAN and pressed my stache on harder:)  The event was, once again, a success.  We had a beautiful day with dedicated walkers that I will never forget.



So the fight was on.  It continued past the date of the heart walk and we really didn't know the final totals until the Awards Ceremony at Le Mont on top of Mt. Washington, in which I got the surprise of a lifetime!  The results were in.  I'm not surprised that we raised $8,190.00 or that we were named the Top Community Team of the Pittsburgh Heart Walk for the second year in a row.  But what I didn't know when I showed up to the ceremony was that we were the Top Community Team in the STATE of Pennsylvania!  (Community Team of the Year) Beating our rival city, Philadelphia!  I couldn't believe what I was seeing or hearing as the announcer described my team and our efforts/accomplishments.  So yeah- if competition is what gets the money raised, so be it!  I'm walking a little taller each year and meeting many amazing individuals along the way with the same dedication and passion for heart health awareness.



I want to thank my amazing team for all of their hard work this year.  We had to push a little more, but it was all worth it in the end.  And most importantly- to everyone who donated.  Without you, we wouldn't be where we are today, and neither would heart and stroke research.  God bless.

Hear ye, Hear ye!

I was asked to give a few speeches since the 2011 Heart Walk to different companies in the Pittsburgh Area.  This one was recorded to share.  Just so you know my target audience is 5-8 year-olds, so don't you dare judge my speaking abilities;) It's definitely a first for me speaking to a law firm!  And no matter how many times I practiced the speech, this was the one time I couldn't stop crying- figures!  It's not my best but it explains why I do what I do and who I am today.  I hope it inspires you to join a team, donate to the American Heart Association, get heart healthy and/or spread awareness about heart disease in your area. 

Unfortunately we never think about getting involved until it "happens to us."  Please don't wait.  You or your loved ones could be suffering right now without even knowing it.  Go to the doctor.  Encourage them to go to the doctor.  Support research that could save your life today.

   I am. 

2012 Speech

 

 

 

 



Where in the World?

I hope after reading the title you broke into "is Carmen San Diego" afterwards.  No?  Just me?  Moving on... This post is dedicated to heart health awareness, specifically being active and getting that heart a-pumpin'!  It's also a way to take the Mafia and who you walk in memory of with you to places they may have never been. 

Knowing our blood pressure numbers is something we don't really pay attention to or don't even understand most of the time.  The only excitement that comes along with it is finding that the machine is available at Wal Mart and seeing how long you can stand the pressure, or throwing your younger sibling in it and running away.  But as we get older, it's time to open our eyes- we're not invisible (say whaaaat?!).  One of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of a stroke or heart attack is to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.  High blood pressure can cause heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious problems.  Your blood pressure should be lower than 120/80.  If your blood pressure is normally low, a blood pressure considered normal might actually indicate an illness or health problem for you.  Blood pressure can also be affected by medications, stress, or lack of physical activity.

Therefore, LET'S DO SOMETHING!  Running has turned into a stress reliever for me (besides race day- then I'm all full of nerves at the starting line).  So I get to relieve some stress while doing physical activity- killing 2 birds with 1 one stone yee haw! This year, I have decided to get my team heart healthy with me.  I have encouraged them to wear their shirts to bucket list places or once in a lifetime places, as well as running some races with me.  Feel free to send me your pictures so that I can add them to the post!



Welcome to the Grand Canyon!

 

                       

Tina Greczek @ Myrtle Beach                                          Color Me Rad 5K

 

Mike McCoppin on the coast of Dublin

Lindsay Rummell @ a German Bier Fest

ME:)  Running the Pirates 5k HomeRun





2011 Heart Walk

October 22, 2011 was the first Heart Walk for Ron's Mustache Mafia.   As a Team Captain, I annoyed my teammates on a daily basis with motivating emails and encouraging Facebook statuses (you're welcome).  However, it all paid off in the end:)  I had so many selfless teamies that rose above and beyond to bring awareness about heart disease and stroke, landing us at the top of the leader boards!  I had set a goal to get 25 teammates, and raise $1,500 as a team.  Those goals had to be adjusted 3 times as our fundraising spiked each week.  With a total of $7,151.00, Ron's Mustache Mafia was the 1st place community team in Pittsburgh and in the top 10 overall (meaning top corporations)!  We were a huge contributor to the total amount raised for the entire walk which was over 1.2 million dollars! 

WAY TO GO TEAM!!!

Wondering why/how we all grew those glorious mustaches?  If you knew my dad, you knew him first and foremost by his stache...

Garsh he's handsome:)  So I wanted to pay as much of a tribute to my dad as I possibly could, and having a mustache was the best way to do that.  I know he was up there laughing at how ridiculous we all looked that day, but also so touched by all of the good sports who wore them. 

I didn't expect the walk to be as successful as it was, coming from such a small town and it being our first year.  Believe it or not, we actually have a fan base and stirred-up quite the competition for future years.  So... we can't stop now!  It's on to our second year as the mafia.  With bigger goals and more teammates, I am thrilled to share this experience yet again.  Which means- get ready for those annoying emails and status updates;)  Congrats, Ron's Mustache Mafia on an amazing and successful 2011 Heart Walk!  I hope to see you all again (and any new friends who would like to participate) on November 3, 2012.





Mafia Pride: Born 6/25/2011

For some people it's coffee, for others it's getting a good work-out in; but for me- creating Ron's Mustache Mafia was my wake-up call.  Thanks to Facebook and my good friend, Brandon Berns, The Heart Walk was brought into my life.  It was perfect timing to pull me out of my sadness and see how I could make a difference.  In no way shape or form am I changing the world, but the feeling I had through the whole experience was that of pride. 
Everytime I got an email saying that someone had "joined" my team, I smiled.  Then came the emails that someone had made a donation- my smile turned into a warm heart.  I'm not sure I've ever felt these feelings before in my life.  To know that people cared, that they wanted to make a difference, and that they could potentially be saving someone's life made every single day on this journey worth it.  People I didn't even know donated.  People I hadn't spoken to since high school or college donated.  We hear about such tragic news day in and day out, and think that all that's good in the world is lost... then you get moments like these. 
I'm so proud of myself (which I've never felt before) for starting Ron's Mustache Mafia.  I never thought it would take off the way that it did.  I'm so proud of those who joined my team, for coming together to raise awareness for heart disease and stroke.  I'm proud of those who donated, for giving a little bit of themselves in memory of someone they lost, in honor of someone who is fighting, or just out of the kindness of their hearts to stop these diseases.  I'm proud of those who walked that day- who gave up a few hours of their weekend to see that their efforts did make a difference, especially to those who lost loved ones.  You may never know how much that is.  Finally, I'm proud of my family.  For joining me and supporting me on this mission, and for all of the physical and emotional ups and downs we've had since September 9, 2009.  We made it- TOGETHER!

 

Although the team is named after my father, we were walking in memory of so many more loved ones we had lost.  My initial fight was for my father and Dennis Buggey.  By the time the walk came around, we were walking in memory of my grandfather, Elwin Morrow as well.  And as I started thinking of everyone we had lost, I realized that was WAY too many lives that were cut too short.  As a team, we were ALL walking in memory or in honor of someone we knew with heart disease.  So please know that the team name is not to raise money in memory of my father alone, but for all who have suffered, are suffering, or may suffer in the future because of heart disease or stroke.  Everytime I make an effort to raise money or awareness for the American Heart Association, I can feel my angels' pride in me... so don't expect me to stop anytime soon, because this feeling doesn't come around very often:)