Meet Mike Wilson In November 2007 Mike Wilson of Topeka, KS was selected as a finalist in the 2008 Start! Challenge. Six people from across the country competed to see who could make a healthy life change. Because of his accomplishments in the program, Mike was named the winner. Mike started making small changes which included walking daily and incorporating better food choices. After only 3 months, Mike lowered his blood pressure, lost 12% of his body weight and 5 inches off his waist. He was even able to cancel his scheduled knee surgery and stopped taking his usual six ibuprofen tablets a day. He is also very active with getting others involved with Start! His school district now has over 1,200 employees enrolled in the Start! Walking Program. To date Mike is still going strong and has lost over 80 pounds. He is truly an inspiration! More About Mike

The Heart Walk is more than a fundraising event, it's a fun filled morning of activities.
This year will be no different. The 17th Annual Start! San Joaquin Heart Walk is a non-competitive 3.5 mile walk/run. Upon the walkers' return, there will be food, musical entertainment, health fair and a kid's zone.


The Heart Walk in San Joaquin County draws about 800 walkers, most of whom are management and employees from the top 100 businesses in our community.


Participants organize in teams of employees, friends and family members. Formal recruitment efforts focus on a company leader and team captains who spearhead the company team with an emphasis on employee and family involvement. Team members raise money through collecting donations.


Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. These diseases, the Nation's No.1 and No.3 killers, claim more than 910,000 American lives a year. The association invested more than $543 million in fiscal year 2005-06 for research, professional and public education, and advocacy so people across America can live stronger, longer lives.

Thanks to all our walkers, donors and volunteers who have accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke. We cannot achieve our mission without each one of you!