LEWISTON — More than 45 L/A area company representatives gathered at the Green Ladle at Lewiston Regional Technical Center on May 24 to kick off their team recruitment and fundraising efforts for the Central Maine Heart Walk. The Heart Walk is scheduled for Sept. 18 in Lewiston/Auburn and benefits the American Heart Association’s life-saving research, education and advocacy to prevent heart disease and stroke in Central Maine.

Mike Spaulding of Austin Associates in Auburn shared his personal story with attendees of suffering a heart attack without any chest pain. “I did not realize it until later, but the symptoms that I experienced on several occasions prior to the day I went to the hospital were warning signs that I ignored,” he said. “The pain between my shoulder blades, I assumed was a pulled muscle from weight lifting or turning wrong. The shortness of breath when jogging or trying to sprint, as part of an exercise routine, was a sign of clogging blood vessels. While age is obviously a part of it, the relatively rapid onset was a clue. My one recommendation to everyone is to have an annual physical. If there are any aches and pains, do not assume that they are from age or life style. It could be a warning sign of significant developing problems.”

Paul Smith, senior vice president with TD Bank at their Lewiston location, is the 2011 Heart Walk chairman. Smith has set a goal to raise $160,000 to support the AHA’s mission. He is also a two-time heart attack survivor and was last year’s top fundraising walker, having raised $2,350.

The AHA’s largest event in Lewiston/Auburn, this year’s event will start with a breakfast celebration at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn. Walkers will then have a choice of a one- or three-mile walk along the L/A Trails Riverwalk. Participants will enjoy live music of the steel drum band Tinpanic as well as kid’s activities and health screenings.

In addition to the main event in Lewiston/Auburn, three satellite walks are being coordinated in Rumford, Bridgton and Brunswick to reach a broader geographical area within Central Maine. All walk events will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a heart-healthy breakfast provided by Hannaford Supermarkets, inspirational speakers and a walk starting at 9:30 a.m. and lunch following the walk.

For more information contact Susan Crandall at 449-3127 or visit www.centralmaineheartwalk.org for event details and online registration.