Team Rebecca

Team Rebecca was formed in 2003. The Team Captain is Melissa, Although she is trying to pass it on to Rebecca. Rebecca thinks she should remain team captain and it was because of Melissa's hard work and determination in getting the attention of the American Heart Associaton.that made Rebecca one of the 3 Inspirational Honoree's. in 2003.

Melissa started out as team captain in 1996 for Herkimer County Trust Bank, and always did a fantastic job at leading her team to raise a decent amount of money, made it as easy as possible for her team to register and receive their initives from the Heart Association. Team Rebecca has carried on the ease of registration, if you walking or running and would like us to register you, all you need to do is let us know. It's just an added touch for joining Team Rebecca

Every one of the founding members (see picture blow) have been walking or running since 1996. Each in a separate team but walking in honor of Rebecca. Rebecca wanted to walk in 1996, but was really unsure about the weather, the hill and the 3 miles (least amount you can walk) so she waited and watched for her friends and family at the finish line. In 1997, Rebecca was unable to participate as she was still recovering from her 3rd surgery. Rebecca's first walk was in 1998. She was still unable to walk the full 3 miles but thanks to the Heart Association she was able to cross the finish line. The AHA allowed Rebecca to ride in the lead car to the hill known as Heart Break Hill. At that point she got out and waited for her family, walked up the hill and to the finish line. Talk to her husband and she was asleep in the car before they left the parking lot. In 1999 she completed the full 3 mile walk and wasn't quite as tired. "Each year it seems like it gets a little easier, maybe because it's just such a great feeling to be a part of a great event and give a little back to all those that have 'helped' me.

The goal of Team Rebecca is to increase the awareness of Heart disease, Assist in finding a cure, and help give some back to all those who have helped Rebecca. Though out the year we collect bottles, sell candy bars, and take donations, and most importantly have a great time. We look forward to getting together with team members from years past any new member, who wishes to walk.

In 2008 after our fundraiser party, (March of 2008) the Utica OD contacted us and tried to put a real negative spin on the fundraising efforts that teams and volunteers do to raise money for this very important cause. I have posted a pdf file of the article. In my opinion, this woman wrote this in bad taste, if you read it, I don't even think that it is written that well. Regardless, She chose to take a good event and trash it. She chose to spin it around and slam the good that the Mohawk Valley is known for. I was going to burry this article for good.. but decided to hang on to it for a little bit longer. Click here if you want to read it. Then please read my official response to that article. Then if your interested here is some of the comments that were left by readers of the OD (i don't have them all, but can no longer find the link sorry) Courtney's bad journalism, and the continuation of slamming the fundraising efforts (yes they posted another article no names mentioned this time) has not stopped Team Rebecca or the fundraiser party along with the Italian sausage will be back - it will not disappear.