Heart Disease is America’s #1 Killer

March 23, 2006 · by Tammy Adler

The McClain Research Luncheon was created 19 years ago to honor Dave McClain, the former University of Wisconsin’s Badger Football coach who suffered a fatal heart attack after practice one day.

Dave’s wife Judy, and friends of Dave’s throughout the community gathered to create this luncheon, to help continue the fight against American’s No. 1 and No 3 killers, cardiovascular disease and stroke, in Dave’s name. Over the past 19 years, this event has raised and donated over $750,000 to UW-Madison researchers to assist in reducing the effects of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

This years’ luncheon, held on February 22, at the Mariott West, was reinvigorated by the Heart Associations new Director, Erin Broome. Erin recruited Dave Shaw to replace me as chair (I remained a committee member), and Dave subsequently recruited Randy Wright, former Badger and Green Bay quarterback, as his co-chair. Together Erin, Dave, and Randy recruited the Voice of the Badgers, Matt Lepay, as our Master of Ceremonies. Erin also recruited our keynote, Brett Bielema, the Badgers new Head Coach. In addition, former UW Football Player Dwayne Smith, and UW Basketball Player Latrell Fleming, both of whom suffered career ending heart ailments, also joined us.

Brett’s keynote was wonderful. Brett discussed several childhood memories with his parents, grandparents, and his connection to heart disease. Brett is one of the most down-to-earth, and humble people I’ve met in a long time. He’s going to be a great coach. One that Coach McClain would be proud of.

Erin did a wonderful job this year. Her Badger and community connection helped reinvigorate this wonderful event. Now we need more community leaders to come forward, and offer their services to help rebuild our committee, and help maintain this wonderful event.

Please join us next year for our 20th anniversary. It should be quite the show.

If you’d like more information about this event, or other American Heart Association volunteer opportunities, please visit the Heart Association.

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