Village Tavern 5K Race Didn't Skip a Beat

With heart disease still the number one killer of adults in America, having quick access to the device during a medical crisis greatly increases the chance of survival.

No one knows that better than Daniel Cymerman of Upper Dublin.

Cymerman is a bartender at Village Tavern in Montgomery Township and he raced in honor of his father in the establishment’s annual St. Patty’s Day Shocker 5K Race on Sunday.

“This race is kind of surreal to me because I lost my dad less than a year ago to a heart attack,” he said. “It makes you think of how we’re really not prepared to deal with that kind of situation.  If having one of these things means that a son doesn’t have to lose his father, then I’m happy to do my part.”

Village Tavern owners John and Theresa Modestine hold the event to bring awareness to and honor those affected by heart disease.

More than 250 runners from Pennsylvania and the surrounding tri-state area came together in an to help local families and organizations who are in need of a defibrillator, but cannot afford one.

Holly Umbehaur, of Montgomeryville said, loved the heart behind the cause.

“Cancer and AIDS are major issues that people get together to help fight, and that’s a really big fight,” she said. “This race is a nice way to try to help local people on an issue that doesn’t really get that much attention but could really make a difference in a family’s life.”

All proceeds from the race will go towards the purchase of a defibrillator which will be gifted to a deserving family or organization sometime in April.

If you or someone you know is in need of a defibrillator and would like to be considered for the gift, you can contact Theresa Modestine at tmod@aol.com.