LA PORTE, Ind. – Franciscan Health Michigan City is once again partnering with Bolt for the Heart and the Play for Jake Foundation to sponsor the annual family run/walk, this time to raise funds to maintain life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in police vehicles.
The Play for Jake/Bolt for the Heart 5K Family Run/Marathon, sponsored by Franciscan Health Michigan City, is scheduled to take place at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, during Lakefest at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater at Fox Memorial Park on Truesdale Avenue between Hoelocker Drive and McClung Road in La Porte.
Bolt for the Heart is an Indiana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises money through sponsorships, donations and runs to purchase and now maintain AEDs for first responders.
Thanks to the successful partnership between Franciscan Health Michigan City, Bolt for the Heart and the Play for Jake Foundation, every police vehicle in LaPorte County will be equipped with a life-saving AED starting in fall 2023.
“These hometown heroes are usually the first on the scene and having the necessary equipment like a defibrillator can certainly save lives,” said Pierre Twer, founder of Bolt for the Heart. “We thank Play for Jake and Franciscan Health for their continued sponsorship and support of this event.”
The Play for Jake Foundation has been part of the Bolt for the Heart program since its inception with the help of founder Julie West. West strives to save other families from the loss her family suffered when her son Jake died of an undiagnosed heart condition on the practice field at LaPorte High School in 2013.
“We know that AEDs save lives, especially when installed in emergency vehicles,” West said. “We also know that AEDs require constant maintenance, which is why this race is so important. Our community’s participation ensures that all patrol cars have access to new batteries and new defibrillator pads exactly when they are needed.”
Dean Mazzoni, president and CEO of Franciscan Health Michigan City, said the continued partnership with Bolt for the Heart and the Play for Jake Foundation reflects the three organizations’ shared commitment to the communities of La Porte County.
“Together, we continue to save lives in the communities we serve,” said Mazzoni. “Franciscan Health Michigan City is honored to once again be a part of this important event.”
Registration for the 5K is $35 before June 29 and $40 afterward. A special Play for Jake package is available for $99, which includes a quarter-zip shirt, t-shirt, headband and donation.
For more information about the Play for Jake/Bolt for the Heart run, including how to register for the event and how to donate, visit www.boltfortheheart.com.
