AHA announces 12th annual Heart Ride for Women’s Heart Disease

JACKSON, Tenn. — An annual event makes its return this year, aiming to raise awareness and funds to combat heart disease in women.

More than 40 men, alongside women everywhere in their fight against heart disease, will go red for women Saturday. Traveling more than 200 miles in the 12th annual Heart Ride for Women’s Heart Disease.

This year will be the biggest group of riders, who are hand picked based on intensive training that they undergo with local cyclists.

“We’ll be riding out of Milan, Tennessee going to Eddyville, Kentucky. That’s 120 miles, about 7,00 feet of climbing in the two days and then we’ll come back the next day through Murray, Kentucky so it’s 220 miles total,” said Jon Ewing, chief operating officer for the Women’s Clinic.

Organizers encourage the community to come out and see the riders take off at 7:45 a.m. Saturday at Milan City Hall.

This initiative was co-founded by Jon Ewing and Dr. Brad Adkins. Seven years ago the event gave a new meaning behind why they ride.

“Unfortunately my nurse passed away seven years ago because of some cardiac issues, so, this ‘heart ride’ for me has taken on a whole new emphasis and new priority and certainly when I’m riding I can’t help but have her in my heart and mind,” said Dr. Adkins.

Over the past 12 years the event has raised more than $100 thousand dollars to support research, education and community programs for for women’s heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of women causing one out of three deaths each year.

For more information on how to donate and support this initiative, click here.

For more local news, click here.