Toxikon Corporation employees raised nearly $3,000 from fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association, with proceeds going toward research and education for heart disease and stroke.

Toxikon employees gathered together as "Team Toxikon" to brave the wind and rain on Saturday, Sept. 12 to take part in the Boston Start! Heart Walk, which began at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade and winded through Memorial Drive.

The festivities also included free health screenings, live music and entertainment, and a red cap wave hosted by survivors of heart disease and stroke.

About 15,000 people participated in this year's event, which raised approximately $2 million.

The Start! Campaign is a national effort by the American Heart Association to promote a "heart-healthy" lifestyle.

Why Toxikon participates

For more than 30 years, Toxikon has helped accelerate scientific innovation in preclinical safety testing. The company is committed to ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals and medical products that promote cardiovascular health, from stethoscopes and aspirin to pacemakers and coronary drug eluting stents, in addition to countless other life-saving drugs and devices.

Healthy hearts, healthy employees

Toxikon also promotes active lifestyles for its employees and their families. Toxikon's headquarters, located in Bedford, Mass., is situated just steps away from the Minuteman Bikeway, which passes through historical sites of the American Revolution.  The bikeway provides yet another opportunity for Toxikon staff to get out and get moving.

Did you know?

According to a study by the American Heart Association, a person gains about two hours of life expectancy for each hour of regular exercise.