WFU cardiac rehab program to sponser 5K walk/run in memory of Moravian minister

The Wake Forest Cardiac Rehabilitation staff established the fundraiser in memory of the Rev. Burton Rights, a participant in the cardiac rehabilitation program for 19 years.

“He was a true inspiration to fellow participants,” said Peter Brubaker, director of the cardiac rehabilitation program and an associate professor of health and exercise science at Wake Forest. “We thought the best way to honor and remember him was to combine two of his passions-exercise and helping others less fortunate.”

Rights ran in more than 200 local and regional races during his lifetime. In 1987, six years after he suffered a heart attack, he began a quest to hike all of the Appalachian Trail. In 1992, he reached his goal. When asked what he did at the end of the journey, Rights said, “I kissed the Katahadin sign, gave thanks to God and praised the Wake Forest Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.”

Rights was also active in the Moravian Church until his death in March 2000. He was pastor of The Messiah Moravian Church for five years and pastor of Clemmons Moravian Church for 36 years. He was elected a bishop of the Moravian Church in 1992.

The entry fee for the walk/run is $15 per participant, and sponsorships collected by each participant are encouraged. Each participant will receive an event T-shirt and those who raise $50 or more will be eligible to win a variety of door prizes. Each participant who collects $100 or more will receive a cargo duffle bag with the walk/run logo on the side.

The 3.1-mile walk/run will begin at Reynolds Gymnasium on the Wake Forest campus. The course will proceed through campus onto the path to Reynolda Gardens. It will then loop back through campus to Reynolds Gymnasium. Snacks and beverages will be served at the finish area.

The cardiac rehabilitation program serves people who have survived heart attacks, heart surgery or other heart problems. Located in Reynolds Gymnasium on Wake Forest’s Reynolda campus, the cardiac rehabilitation program is offered jointly through the Wake Forest School of Medicine and the health and exercise science department.

The registration deadline for the walk/run is April 27. For more information and for a registration form, call the Wake Forest Cardiac Rehabilitation office at 758-5395.