THE first ever Shoalhaven SCADaddle, raising money and awareness SCAD research and the Victor Chang Institute, has been hailed a success, raising more than $1000.
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More than 30 people took to the streets of the quiet Cambewarra Village on Sunday for the SCADaddle, a gentle fundraising walk to help the cause.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection or SCAD as it is known occurs when a split or separation suddenly develops between the layers of the wall of one of the blood vessels [artery] that provides blood flow to the heart.
"It was just awesome," Rachael said.
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"I feel very humbled by the support and much loved."
Participants donned red, the colour that represents the heart, and walked around the Cambewarra Village.
"This is the first time we have ever held a Shoalhaven SCADaddle and I must thank everyone who came out and supported it, and especially Belinda Wakefield for all her backing," Rachael said.
"And to also the many various local media organisations who promoted the cause it was much appreciated.
"To raise more than $1000 is fantastic.
"All money raised in Australia stays in Australia for research to better understand, diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent SCAD heart attacks, but this event is also about raising the awareness of SCAD and what it is."
If not diagnosed and treated quickly, SCAD may lead to a heart attack, life-threatening arrhythmias or sudden death.
Women in their 40s and 50s are most at risk of SCAD, although it can occur at any age and also in men.
The majority of people who develop SCAD are often healthy with no known risk factors of heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high blood cholesterol.
Rachael said she hopes this inaugural event can lead to an even bigger event in 2022.
"I'd love to see it get even bigger next year," she said.
"We were really hampered by COVID restrictions this year and the weather forecast," she said.
"I'd love to see it become a big family event next year and maybe even be held at a large local sporting facility."
Rachael is even thinking or organising a mid-year trivia night to also raise further funds.
SCAD Australia conducts SCADaddles each year to help raise funds for research into the condition with five kilometre fundraising walks, held at various locations around the country.
So far across Australia more than $111,000 has been raised from various SCADaddles
You can still support SCAD by going to the SCAD Research Inc website at www.scadresearch.com.au/ where you can go to the MyCause section to make a donation, or even purchase merchandise, or you can support Rachael's efforts go to her MyCause page (https://www.mycause.com.au/p/264840/rachael-hallcroese?popup=1&fbclid=IwAR16OgnOpohkMAkGB1aK5oE5I1ypK0tQt8tCud-ue9oyyY09UZtWJ2tW-AQ ).
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