BBQ with Brey supports heart disease research

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- More people in the United States die from heart disease than cancer, accidents and strokes combined. Approximately 2,000 people die every day from heart disease. In Michiana, the American Heart Association, the University of Notre Dame and Head Basketball Coach Mike Brey are working to end heart disease with events like BBQ with Brey.



University of Notre Dame Basketball Coach Mike Brey toured a medical lab on the school's campus to see where funding for heart disease research is going.



The disease is personal for Coach Brey who suffered his own heart scare six years ago.



"90-percent closed, Luckily I didn't have a heart attack, so you don't have the scar tissue damage, but I couldn't believe they put a stent in me on a Thursday evening and Friday morning I was up and moving around," said Coach Brey.



The research is made possible through grants from the American Heart Association.



"A lot of people don't know where they money is going - so it's nice to show it's being used in this way. I think more people are willing to donate to the local area and realize it's going towards heart research," said Jennifer Medich, a volunteer with the American Heart Association.



That funding is critical. Without it, the cutting edge research at the University of Notre Dame wouldn't be possible.



"The funding is very important. Everything you see here has been obtained through capitalization funds or external grants. The American Heart Association has been very supportive to this kind of research," said Dr. Philippe Sucosky of the University of Notre Dame.



At Notre Dame, researchers and doctors aren't looking for new a procedure, they are looking for a cure.



Unfortunately, Coach Brey is dealing with heart disease again - but this time his mom is the patient.



"They keep telling her, she is 83 and she doesn't want to do the surgery but she's had the murmur, she's had everything--but knock on wood, she's hung in there," said Coach Brey.



Coach Brey hosts a series of events along with the American Heart Association that's geared towards helping men stay heart healthy.



The Men of Heart events include Tip Off For Heart, the Mardi Gras Masquerade and BBQ with Brey.



BBQ with Brey is being held Thursday, September 4 at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Granger.



All of the fundraisers help raise money for research.



"Sometimes you get caught up in asking for money all the time and to see the nuts and bolts and behind the scenes where people are really benefiting. What was energizing was to see the passion of the doctor and his team. They couldn't wait to present to us what they were doing and you can tell it moves them every day and it motivates you to raise money to get after this dreaded disease," said Coach Brey.



Click here for more information on BBQ with Brey.