DAVIE, Fla. March 15, 2024 – The American Heart Association‘s Greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale market raised over $1-million dollars to save and improve lives across the community during the 2024 Broward Heart Walk on March 10. Over six thousand people came together to support lifesaving cardiovascular research, advocacy efforts and community impact initiatives.

The Heart Walk was chaired by David Wagner, South Florida market president at Florida Blue. This year, 174 teams and over 65 companies and 6 thousand walkers came together at Nova Southeastern University.

“The Heart Walk is about getting people moving, celebrating our heart heroes and survivors and caring for all of the hearts in our community,” said Wagner. “To our generous sponsors, participants, and volunteers: Thank you for being part of this relentless force for heart health. Let’s continue our journey, stride by stride, until heart disease is a thing of the past.”

Hosted by Chealsea Jones, news anchor and reporter at CBS4 and Vivian Gonzalez, weather anchor at WSVN. Highlights of the day included a live warmup by HCA Florida Healthcare physicians, a special reciting of the pledge of allegiance from a group of our young heart survivors and the national anthem sung by local American Heart Association volunteer Grace Chaffins.

"By participating in the Broward Heart Walk, attendees took a significant step toward supporting research, training in CPR, and championing equitable health for all," said Marisol Garcia, executive director of the American Heart Association in Greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale. "The event was a celebration of life, creativity, and heartwarming moments. Attendees wore their hearts proudly, remembering that every step taken contributes to a world of longer, healthier lives."

The event was made possible by our local Greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale sponsors: CITY Furniture, Florida Blue, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Memorial Healthcare System, Rick Case Automotive, Pediatrix Medical Group, Stiles, Florida Power & Light, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, JM Family Enterprises, B&I Contractors, LifeSync, American AED, a One Beat Medical company, Solstice Benefits, HCA Florida Healthcare, Gallagher, La Croix Sparkling Water, Truist, Holy Cross Health, Kindred Hospitals, Community Care Plan, Nova Southeastern University and media sponsors CBS4 Miami, Haute Living Magazine, PBS South Florida Health Channel, Miami Kids Magazine, Sun Sentinel Media Group, Vision Media and WSVN Channel 7.

Donations in support of the Broward Heart Walk can still be made at BrowardHeartWalk.org

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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 our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Christina Vitale: christina.vitale@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org