What is Wildhearts Bellingham?

WILDHEARTS Bellingham was formed shortly after I had triple by-pass surgery followed by an emergency angioplasty in February, 2022. I had my first event in 2003. A healthy supply of collateral vessels carried my blood around a major blockage in my LDA, performing a Natural Bypass. Thus, a problem that could’ve resulted in serious, permanent damage, required only a single stent to correct. This time, I may very well have died had I not been in shape.

Many in our group have had similar experiences. We come together, along with our caregivers, family members and friends, to support each other in our effort to combat the impact of heart disease by remaining physically active.

Some of us led healthy lifestyles long before having a severe cardiac event. Some just started as a result of having one.

Some run marathons, some walk regularly.

WILDHEARTS Bellingham is all about paying it forward.

Keep Moving!

Jim Kosa, Founder

Fighting Heart Disease Through Sport and Support

  • A few of us have achieved high levels of athleticism. Most of us just do what we need to do to develop and sustain a vibrant body, mind and spirit.

    One guy often sites what he calls the “upside to mediocrity”, a focus on balance that eludes many hyper-driven athletes. Wildhearts share that perspective. It serves us well as we recover and adapt to changing circumstances.

    At the same time, we’re grateful for and apply the courage and determination our participation in athletics has given us.

    Once again, WILDHEARTS Bellingham is all about paying it forward.

  • Understanding comes at a premium for patients, their caregivers, family members and friends.

    As with most major life experiences, nobody can appreciate what another is going through like someone who’s experienced it.

    Often times, however, the ramifications of heart disease are exceptionally difficult to navigate creating a profound need to be understood.

    Having major heart surgery is often a life changing experience. It changes some of us in ways we can’t possibly wrap our heads around.

    The similarities, the common denominators, result in an appreciation of and a gratitude for life we never imagined was possible.

    Wildhearts Bellingham was founded on the belief that gratitude that doesn’t translate to helping each other is only a feeling. It doesn’t really exist.

  • Michael Phipps, a superstar coach for LLS’ Team in Training program describes our comfort zones as “beautiful places where nothing grows”.

    Unfortunately, growth in body, mind or spirit requires becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable.

    Whether its gearing up to snow shoe (My fingers are frozen!) or hitting the gym, DOING always requires a certain amount of discipline.

    Wildhearts hold one another accountable and lighten that load by engaging in an ever-expanding array of opportunities to bond, transform and empower each other.