By Leslie Ridgeway
USC Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing

A sea of cardinal red flowed through Pasadena as more than 120 employees from USC Norris Cancer Hospital and USC University Hospital participated in the American Heart Association Start! Heart Walk on Oct. 3.

The enthusiastic group, led by Matt McElrath, chief human resources officer for the hospitals, came to support research efforts and prevention of heart disease and stroke, the number one and two killers of Americans.

“This is a great opportunity for the USC hospitals to come together on a beautiful California morning and support the American Heart Association’s mission,” said McElrath. “It’s another example of the Trojan Family spirit.” Staffers brought spouses, children (some as young as two months old) and pets with them on the 5K walk. Valerie Crowley, a registered nurse at the UH operating room, had her pet macaw Fireball on her shoulder.

“I decided to come walk for the cause, and represent USC and the OR,” said Crowley, watching as dozens of people posed with Fireball for a photo. Hired in March, just before the hospitals passed into USC hands, Crowley said she’s glad to be a Trojan: “It’s my new family.”