I run for this cause because it has saved my life! My personal story of a return to health was due to the efforts of my wife Jennifer and the excellent care that Dr. Rob Ostfeld has given me over the past 8 years. I am humbled to once again have the opportunity to run for this amazing cause - my 5th NYC marathon in a row!

"If the US population consumed an “ideal” diet for 1 year, it has been estimated that cardiovascular events (heart attack/ stroke) would fall by approximately 42%"

Recent studies have also proved that eating an anti-inflammatory diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables instead of an inflammatory diet focused on red and processed meats and ultraprocessed foods, such as sugary cereals, sodas, fries and ice cream, lowered the risk of dementia by 31%.

The Montefiore Einstein Cardiac Wellness Program and Cardiac Wellness Conference bring a unique, nutrition-centered approach to cardiovascular disease management by attempting to prevent and reverse heart disease with dietary change. Created and directed by Robert Ostfeld, MD, MSc, and in partnership with Lauren Graf, MS, RD, the programs nutritionist, the Cardiac Wellness Program aims to prevent and reverse heart disease with a whole-food/plant-based diet.

The program was started in 2009, with the goal of preventing disease with lifestyle change, primarily based on a plant-based diet. We started with the outpatient clinical pillar, building this out to include the inpatient setting. We then began developing the educational and research pillars of the program. In the outpatient arm, I see patients in clinic and weave plant-based nutrition and lifestyle change into nearly every visit. Accordingly, we have seen patients substantially lower their blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, resolve diabetes, improve erectile function, and avoid coronary bypass surgery and avoid stenting when appropriate.

For ten years, Dr. Ostfeld has added new programs and services and worked to expand virtual outreach. The program will need meaningful funding to be maintained and grown.

My mission is to help the program continue to garner money, attention and most importantly awareness. I passionately believe that a change in lifestyle could mean the difference in a life well lived.