WASHINGTON (Feb. 3, 2012) — The GW Women’s Heart Center has a new supporter in local chef and restaurateur, Ris Lacoste, who owns the Foggy Bottom restaurant, RIS. In a program called RIS Walk 60, Lacoste has taken to the streets to raise money for the GW's women's heart health initiative by walking along a designated route, beginning at her restaurant at 23rd and L Sts, NW, for an hour each day and asking supporters to pledge a dollar for every mile she walks. Lacoste says she welcomes company from anyone who wishes to join her on her walks.
Lacoste knows the importance of heart health to women first hand, as her mother passed away due to heart disease in 2010. Heart disease is the number one killer among women. “As a chef I realize I am in the unique position not only to feed people fresh, whole foods, but also to walk with them on the path to better health,” Ris said in a statement. “I hope that everyone will join me as we walk together for our own health and the hearts of the women we love.”
Jannet Lewis, M.D., professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences and director of the GW Women’s Heart Health Center, welcomed Lacoste’s support. “The program’s mission is to save lives and improve the quality of life for women at risk of cardiovascular disease in Washington, DC,” she said. “Although heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, many women do not understand their greatest health threats,” she added.
RIS Walk 60 aims to raise $25,000 by the end of 2012.
