(AKRON, Ohio) December 3, 2024 – Jim Merklin, Partner at Bober Markey Fedorovich, and his wife Julie Merklin, will lead the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association Greater Akron Heart Walk Co-Chairs to build a community of lifesavers in the Greater Akron area. Under the Merklins’ leadership, top executives throughout the Greater Akron region will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with the education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.

The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has put a spotlight on CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the Association, nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die[1] yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival[2]. Merklin and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in Greater Akron are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.

“The Heart Walk gives Greater Akron residents and employees the opportunity to address a critical issue in our community,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, executive director of the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training, and building a network of lifesavers throughout Northeast Ohio. With the Merklins at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”

The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Greater Akron. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.

"We envision a future where at least one person in every household knows CPR," said Jim Merklin. "The impact of having a trained, confident lifesaver in every home across Greater Akron cannot be overstated. By joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, companies are helping to turn our community from bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that when a cardiac emergency occurs, there is someone ready to step in and make a difference."

The American Heart Association’s mission is personal to the Merklins, as Julie herself is a heart survivor. She was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD), a hole in her heart that was surgically repaired when she was 4 years old and has been monitored for many years by a pediatric cardiologist at Akron Children’s Hospital.

“Raising awareness and funds to support research for CHD is especially important to us,” Julie explained. “Thanks to medical advancements made by the American Heart Association, most people with CHD now survive into adulthood – including myself. Just imagine the leaps and bounds we can continue to make in this field if we keep supporting these bold breakthroughs in science.”

The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to empowering individuals everywhere to act in the event of a cardiac emergency, making sure that no one is left without the help they need when seconds count.

The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on Saturday, May 31st at the Akron RubberDucks stadium, where approximately 2,000 participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people.

Companies interested in participating can contact Samantha Campbell, Senior Development Director, at Samantha.campbell@heart.org. For more information about the Greater Akron Heart Walk, visit www.heart.org/akronwalk.

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About the American Heart Association  

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments as we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.     

 

For Media Inquiries:

Chelsea Caldwell: 614-448-7943

chelsea.caldwell@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org