Last Saturday left me seeing red.

It started at 7:45 a.m. when Tim picked me up to take me to the Ford Lake Frozen Leap, put on by Lake Shore Apartments and PakMode Media + Marketing. It was so cold and windy. One of the tents blew down and they were unable to put it back up because the ground was too frozen. W4 Country also lost their tent due to wind before the event started. By the time teams arrived, there was so much excitement in the air you would have never known. Becuase of my role with the AHA, I decided to show my support by raising almost $250 and jumping into the icy water. I spent my time before jumping talking with Adam Rey from W4 County, Kat (the heart) from Lake Shore Apartments and many of the supporters of the event.

Because I have never done this type of thing before, my jump was not as spectacular as some of the other teams (Brownsicles, you rocked). From the time I jumped until the time I left is a blur. I got into the water and my only thought was there are firefighters waiting for me at the top of the stairs waiting to hose me down with warm water. It felt so nice as I entered the heated tent and even better when I got into the heated changing rooms and could put my winter clothing back on. I, however, was not prepared for my clothes freezing to my body and not wanting to come off, let alone not being able to get my jacket on because I was an icicle. But as soon as that was done, I felt wonderful. It definitely felt like my life had just got a jump start. A big shout out to the organizers — I had a wonderful time.

After the leap, I headed straight to the EMU Convocation Center for a basketball doubleheader (both games were red outs) in support of  National Heart Month. EMU prominately placed a table to collect donations for the American Heart Association right near the entrance. We were able to share a lot of information with EMU fans and students.  The women’s team rocked red socks but unfortunately, did not hold on for a win. During the men’s game, AHA was able to share a suite with Lake Shore Apartments, who presented AHA with a check in the amount of $6,000 from the Frozen Leap. Also during the games, it was wonderful to see red on the court for dress to impress, heart trivia with a fan and AHA facts on the big screen. There was so much spirit and support of the Heart Association, the only thing that made it better was the men’s team holding on for a win over Buffalo.

Thanks to EMU for a great day of Heart Awareness.