"Rock the Ride" returns, benefits St. John's Health Foundation

After a three year hiatus, Rock the Ride returns through Rock on Society, a newly incorporated WY nonprofit who has filed for 501c3 status with the IRS and was formed by event founder and VIM fitness studio owner, Julie Guttormson. Rock On Society invites all ages and fitness levels to participate in the 6th Annual "Rock the Ride," a high-energy, indoor team cycling fundraiser to benefit the St. John’s Health Foundation Stroke and Cardiac Fund for local patients. Groups of up to six riders can once again ride hard, hardly ride, sing, dance, and party the night away, all for a valuable cause. Since its inaugural year, Rock the Ride has raised over $300k for local stroke and cardio patients.

The event will be held from 5-9 pm on March 11, 2023 at The Virginian Lodge.

“Thanks to the support of St John’s Health Foundation, we were able to bring my vision to life for five, impactful years,” said Guttormson. “It was because of this success that I decided to form Rock On Society with a vision to provide aid for stroke and cardiac patients of all ages through community, camaraderie and connection. Rock the Ride will continue to grow with vim and vigor and continue to change lives right here in our own community and beyond.”

“Our community has been waiting for Rock the Ride to return for three long years,” said Foundation President Anna Olson. “This day of connection and celebration directly benefits local patients who are experiencing complex health issues and really need support. Thanks to Rock the Ride, we can eliminate financial stress and help our patients focus on prevention and recovery.”

VIM owner and event founder Julie Guttormson can relate to the stress of a major health event, having experienced a stroke herself at the age of 31. Julie, a vibrant, active athlete who enjoyed skiing, running, and cycling, had lived in Jackson for only a year when she suffered a stroke from three blood clots in different, major veins of her brain. She was lucky enough to walk away healthy and have great health insurance to pay for her treatment. Because not everyone has the same fortunate outcome, Rock the Ride was born as Julie’s personal way to celebrate health, give back to the community and celebrate another year in business (2023 marks VIM’s 11th anniversary). Her full recovery included completing an Ironman triathlon and launching her fitness studio.

"I had the idea of this event from the day I opened the studio almost 11 years ago. I knew that bringing fun, fitness and people together are what we do best and based on my own experience, I had a platform to help make a difference in people’s lives right here in our community." said Guttormson.

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ABOUT ROCK ON SOCIETY

The mission focuses on raising funds for stroke and cardiac patients of all ages blindsided by the cost of their experience and recovery. For more information, please contact Rock On Society Founder and Executive Director, Julie Guttormson 307-413-0441 j@vimstrong.com

ABOUT ST. JOHN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION

The mission of the St. John’s Health Foundation is to secure philanthropic support to advance the mission and strategic objectives of St. John’s Heath, an independent health system providing our unique community and visitors with exceptional and ever-advancing individualized care.

ABOUT STROKE

If you have symptoms of a stroke, contact emergency services right away. General symptoms of a stroke include:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
• Sudden vision changes
• Sudden trouble speaking
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements
• Sudden problems with walking or balance
• A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches

FAST is a simple way to remember the main symptoms of stroke. Recognizing these symptoms helps you know when to call for medical help. FAST stands for:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call emergency services