PORTLAND, Ore. (February 1, 2023) – This February, Brooke Olzendam, Trail Blazers Broadcaster, is launching the fourth year of Brooke Hearts Your Heart. The campaign will continue to work with the American Heart Association to educate fans on the importance of heart health, prevention, and education. This February Brooke will extend her efforts by sharing her experience and utilizing her platform to encourage Trail Blazers fans to show their support for the American Heart Association’s critical programming through various paths, while educating them on easy ways they can improve their own heart health.
This program has positively impacted Rip City to take action after hearing Brooke’s story of loss. Brooke’s husband Andy, who passed away 10 days after they married in 2010, had a heart attack on a treadmill while working out at age 27. By sharing her personal story, Olzendam has been able to educate and show her support for the American Heart Association during National Heart Month, as well as educating and encouraging others to show their support, with the ultimate goal of saving lives.
Since its start in 2020, Brooke Hearts Your Heart has raised nearly $60,000. In support of Brooke’s efforts, the Trail Blazers have again pledged to match up to a $5,000 donation to the American Heart Association to help Brooke in achieving her goal and spread awareness about heart health.
"Prioritizing our heart health has proved to be more important than ever before and I’m so grateful to have received such an outpouring of support from Rip City over the past few years,” said Brooke Olzendam, Trail Blazers courtside reporter. “While this year’s mission remains the same, our shared commitment to raising awareness and essential funds for heart health will continue to save lives".
Throughout the month, fans will have plenty of opportunities to show their support for Brooke’s program and her commitment to promoting heart health. Starting on February 3 with ‘Go Red Day’, Moda Center will be lit up red in support of AHA and this day’s focus on women’s heart health. On February 6, as the Trail Blazers play the Milwaukee Bucks, fans can join Olzendam by purchasing her limited-edition Brooke Hearts Your Heart beanie, for which 25% of net proceeds will be donated towards these efforts. At this game, fans can purchase a beanie and try to take a photo with Brooke herself. Beanies will be available to purchase online and at the Rip City Clothing Company store on the 100-level of the Moda Center concourse.
Each year Brooke’s story touches thousands of people and encourages them to take actionable steps to living healthier lives and to schedule lifesaving checkups. To learn more about Olzendam’s personal story, visit trailblazers.com/heart.