LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 22, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, will host the Central Arkansas Heart Walk on Saturday, April 25, at War Memorial Stadium and Park. The event brings together survivors, families, health care leaders and community members with one shared goal: saving lives and building a healthier Central Arkansas.

Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death in Arkansas, yet many cardiac events are survivable when people recognize symptoms early, know how to respond in an emergency and take steps to improve heart health long before a crisis occurs.

“Every step taken at the Heart Walk represents hope, action and the power of community,” said Nikki Smith, executive director of the American Heart Association–Central Arkansas. “When people come together to learn, move and support one another, lives are changed.”

This year’s Heart Walk spotlights powerful survivor stories — including Mike Ortega of Maumelle, Heather Haywood of Stuttgart and 9‑year‑old Zyler Henry of Little Rock — illustrating how heart disease and stroke can affect anyone, at any age, and why early action matters.

Ortega, 52, considered himself healthy and active. A former collegiate and semi‑professional soccer player, he continued playing and coaching well into adulthood. In February, he went to the doctor for what he believed was bronchitis. Instead, he was admitted to the hospital with a cardiac emergency that could have been fatal.

Doctors discovered his left anterior descending artery, often called the “widowmaker,” was 100% blocked. Ortega underwent an emergency angiogram and had three stents placed on Feb. 12 – his birthday.

“Doctors told me if I had gone home and gone to bed that night, I probably wouldn’t have woken up,” Ortega said

Since his surgery, Ortega has embraced lifestyle changes focused on clean eating, regular exercise and prevention. He has lost more than 25 pounds and is working toward returning to the active life he loves, with the full support of his family.

“I want people to know heart disease doesn’t always come with warning signs,” Ortega said. “If sharing my story helps even one person go to the doctor sooner, it’s worth it.”

Haywood, 63, also credits early detection with saving her life. A routine heart screening revealed severe coronary artery blockages despite having no symptoms. In October 2025, she underwent lifesaving double bypass surgery.

“I had absolutely no symptoms,” Haywood said. “One screening saved my life. Without it, my doctors told me I would have suffered a fatal heart attack.”

Now a heart health advocate, Haywood encourages others — especially women — to prioritize screenings and preventive care.

Zyler Henry’s journey began just days after birth. Born with cyanotic congenital heart disease and heterotaxy syndrome, Zyler underwent his first heart surgery at just 17 days old, followed by multiple open‑heart surgeries in early childhood. At age 7, he suffered a bilateral stroke during recovery, temporarily losing speech and mobility.

Now 9, Zyler has regained his mobility, won a spelling bee and continues to thrive — a testament to resilience, advanced care and early intervention.

“People often think heart disease and stroke only affect adults,” his family said. “Zyler shows that children are affected, too, and awareness can make all the difference.”

The Central Arkansas Heart Walk is a family‑friendly, communitywide event welcoming survivors, caregivers, corporate teams and children, including those with stroller.. Participants will celebrate survivors, honor loved ones and learn Hands‑Only CPR, a simple skill that can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest until professional help arrives.

The American Heart Association encourages everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, to take part, learn CPR and help create a community of lifesavers.

“Knowing CPR, recognizing warning signs and supporting heart health research are actions anyone can take,” organizers said. “Together, those actions build stronger, healthier communities.”

Registration is open to individuals and teams at CentralArkansasHeartWalk.org.

By joining the walk, learning lifesaving skills and supporting the mission, community members can help ensure more families experience stories of survival — and fewer experience loss.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org