The only thing Jan and Nick Sesol enjoyed more than having their children and grandchildren join them for the American Heart Association’s South Cook County Heart Walk was that they were able to walk at all.
The Sesols, who both have dealt with heart disease, were thrilled to be able to complete the 3-mile trek last weekend with about 2,000 other walkers through the Midlothian Meadows Forest Preserve.
“I came here to be with my grandmother and support her,” said Megan Sesol, 17. Jan Sesol, 68, has survived three major heart surgeries since she was diagnosed with blocked arteries and a blood clot in 1998. Her husband, Nick, 72, was recently found to have arrhythmia, a more easily treatable condition.
Such a walk isn’t easy for Jan, “but I think I’m ready to do it,” she said before lining up at the starting gate with other walkers from Team Palos. The Sesols said their participation was meant to show their resolve to lead a healthier lifestyle. “I’ve lost 40 pounds,” Nick Sesol said.
Spokeswoman Sara McElmurry said the heart association expected to raise about $3 million for heart research from the Midlothian walk and five others held throughout the Chicago area this year.
