Annie’s Pace Global Adventure shines a spotlight on heart health, says Lindsay Advocate

Annie Smith, a resident of Kawartha Lakes, is on a mission to raise awareness about heart health through her initiative, Annie’s Pace Global Adventure. Nine years ago, Smith was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis, a rare and life-threatening heart disease. Under the care of Dr. Heather Ross at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Smith was advised to avoid strenuous exercise due to the inflammation in her heart.

Despite the challenges she faced, Smith decided to use her experience to educate others about heart disease. In 2019, she launched Annie’s Pace, where she walked 161 km on a treadmill over four days to raise awareness and funds for heart disease research. The event garnered significant attention and raised $5,500.

Since then, Annie’s Pace has evolved into Annie’s Pace Global Adventure (APGA), a four-day physical adventure held annually in May. Participants from around the world engage in physical activity for a minimum of one hour each day to promote heart health. The event also encourages organ donation, with the potential to save eight lives per participant.

The 6th Annual Annie’s Pace Global Adventure is set to take place from May 24-27, 2024. Smith’s All the Right Moves Studio in Omemee will be open for drop-in workouts, while a Health and Fitness Fair and Heart Fundraiser will be held at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre in Millbrook. Admission to these events is by donation to APGA, with opportunities to donate online as well.

Through APGA, Smith aims to continue raising awareness about heart health and supporting Dr. Heather Ross’ Test Your Limits Initiative for heart disease research. Interested participants can contact Smith for more information on how to get involved in this impactful initiative.