Marin Heart Walk Honors McGlashan

The Marin Heart Walk taking place in San Rafael Saturday pays tribute to late Marin County Supervisor Charles McGlashan, from an undetected heart defect in late March.

McGlashan, , collapsed while returning from a ski trip in March because of a rare ailment -- cardiac sarcoidosis -- that had weakened his heart. He was 49.

McGlashan's widow, , is expected to share stories about her late husband's legacy at the walk, which raises money
on behalf of the American Heart Association to fund research to find cures for heart disease and stroke -- the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers.

Heart Walk organizers said the event will also honor Noah Griffin of Tiburon, who suffered a stroke five years ago at the age of 59 and made drastic lifestyle changes to ensure that he would see 60 and beyond. In less than a year, Griffin changed his diet, lost 50 pounds, significantly lowered his blood pressure and began walking 30 minutes a day, according to the American Heart Association.

Griffin now weighs 175 pounds and is undaunted by traversing San
Francisco's notorious climbs.

"Growing old is inevitable, but you don't have to decay," Griffin said in a statement. "I feel good inside and out. It's a better way to live."

Griffin will be honored with a Lifestyle Change Award, organizers
said. 

The event is free, and participants can register at the Marin Heart Walk website. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. at McInnis Park in
San Rafael.

--Bay City News Service