For
nearly 30 years, NYCM Insurance has been a proud supporter of America’s
Greatest Heart
Run & Walk, an event hosted by the American Heart Association. Traditionally
a family event
that takes place in Utica, NY, NYCM employees come together to walk in
solidarity against heart disease and stroke.
Continue
reading to learn more about the American Heart Association and the ‘why’ behind
some of Team NYCM’s most passionate participants.
Joining
Together and Raising Funds
The American Heart Association has been fighting heart
disease and stroke in an effort to save and
improve lives for nearly 100 years. The American Heart Association was founded
in 1924 and since then has grown into our nation's largest organization
dedicated to heart health. NYCM teams up with the AHA’s Mohawk Valley Chapter
to participate in America’s
Greatest Heart Run & Walk each year.
Jeremy
Robinson, Senior Vice President of Customer Relations Management at NYCM
Insurance, is also a board member of the American Heart Association’s Mohawk
Valley Chapter. Jeremy explained the close ties NYCM has with the AHA: “The
American Heart Association is in direct alignment with who NYCM is as an
organization. We support them because we care about the future
and want to provide hope for our friends, families, and
co-workers. We also know that without the work of the AHA, the many
advancements in treatment and prevention would not be possible. I am personally
grateful every day for their relentless force against heart disease and
stroke.”
NYCM’s
Heart Month initiatives kick off in February with Wear
Red Day, where employees wear
red on the first Friday in February to raise awareness for heart
disease and stroke. Annual
apparel is created by our Brand Management team and sold across our
employee base as a way to raise funds.
Fundraising
is also done amongst our employees in various creative ways, such as basket
raffles hosted within departments, support from friends and family, virtual fundraising and
simply donating their own
time. If one thing is for sure, it's that NYCM employees are some of the most
generous and giving there are.
Albert
Pylinski, former Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary at NYCM
Insurance has personally been affected by heart disease. Albert also serves as
a member of the American Heart Association and had this to share when asked
about the relationship between NYCM Insurance and the AHA: “As a retiree who
worked 45 years for NYCM, it warms my heart that the company was so dedicated
to supporting the American Heart Association for the last 30 years of my
involvement!” As a five-time survivor of heart disease, Albert mentions that he
has noticed the advancements in surgical and medical procedures. “The AHA could
not have made such advancements if it were not for such caring and concerned
organizations like NYCM and its generous employees!"
In years
past, Team NYCM has joined forces at Heart Walks across the region, including
the Oneonta, NY Indoor Walk and the main event in Utica. While this year may
look much different, we know NYCM will walk in solidarity, whether the event is
held live or virtually.
Employees
Walking Together for a Personal Cause
NYCM
employees have strong ties to the American Heart Association for many reasons,
both personally and professionally. Unfortunately, many have personally
experienced the effects of heart disease and stroke within their lives.
Continue reading on for inspiring stories shared by a few of our passionate
employees behind their support and willingness to advocate for the American
Heart Association.
“I've
been involved with the American Heart Association for approximately 18 years
and am always amazed at just how much this city raises each year for the
cause,” said Kathleen Crossett of our Distribution Team.
Kathleen’s
husband Gordon, although he is currently doing well, does suffer from heart
disease. She continued, “It’s important to know that prior to these heart
complications, my husband was never one to visit a doctor and was previously
thought to be very
healthy.” Last year, during a routine checkup their doctor
noticed that Gordon’s heartbeat was irregular which eventually brought them to
the emergency room. After a long day of testing, they
were able to return home so long as he was taking the medication prescribed.
However, this year in July,
Kathleen woke up to her husband letting her know that he had been struggling to
breath throughout the night. After a trip to the hospital and several
tests, they were told that Gordon’s heart had gone into Afib (Atrial
Fibrillation) due to a blood clot and that they would need to shock him to
restore his normal heartbeat.
Although
he spent several days in the
hospital, Gordon is now doing great, as his cardiologist and medical team
offered such amazing care. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have
volunteered with the American Heart Association who raised money to make
these types of procedures and medications possible.”
___________________________
“It is
shocking when you realize just how many people out there are dealing
with heart disease,'' says Carole Bartletta of our Underwriting
Department. “Years ago, our doctors would not have had the knowledge, the
treatment, or the medication to provide or perform the surgeries we have today.
Millions of people have gone on to live longer, and healthier
lives, because of the research that is funded, in mass, by the American
Heart Association”. Carole has had many family members
and friends affected by heart disease and has been a volunteer at the Heart Run
and Walk for nearly 20 years! Carole typically volunteers to work
as a member of the registration committee and enjoys seeing the children who have
become heart survivors return each year, eager to help and make their own
donations. “It is always very touching to see how they’ve grown. Some even
attend school, playing
sports, and living life to the fullest.”
___________________________
When
asked what the American Heart Association meant to her, Colleen Laymon of our
Technical Team shares, “It means hope. Hope of finding new, less dangerous, and
less invasive procedures for those fighting against heart ailments.” Both
Colleen and her late father struggled with heart issues in the past. Colleen
suffered a heart attack while she was at work in 2019.
After realizing that she did not feel well and was having trouble catching her
breath, she remembers thinking that she really needed to quit smoking. Although
Colleen thought that she needed to return home and
rest, her co-workers quickly noticed and contacted one of our onsite medics, as
well as an ambulance. First, feeling embarrassed and fearful, Colleen remembers
being comforted by the paramedic when the sounds of sirens started to fill the air. “I was
completely shocked to find out later that I had actually had a heart attack and
would need stents to correct the issue. Thank goodness for everyone who
called for help and got me checked out that day,” Colleen adds.
Colleen
is happy to announce that she no longer smokes and encourages anyone that does,
to quit as soon as possible. While it was the hardest thing I have had to
do, it was the best thing I have done for myself.”
___________________________
When
discussing the American Heart Association with Paige Ingham of our People
Development Team, she shares that she has lost both her father and stepfather
to heart attacks. Each year, Paige walks for her
family and for those who have suffered with a heart condition. Last year, she
was able to volunteer for the first time in Utica, alongside Beth Meade of our
Brand Management Team. Beth, who went through the very difficult time of
losing both her mother and father to heart complications, is also heavily
involved with
supporting the Heart Association and participates in the Heart Run and Walk
each year.
Team NYCM will gather to support the American Heart
Association this year in hopes to raise awareness and funds for those who
battle against heart disease and stroke. To learn more about the American Heart
Association click here, and to join Team NYCM for
Heart Walk Day on May 15, 2021, click the button below.
