Fresno, Calif., October 10, 2026 — Today more than 1,500 people gathered at Tesoro Viejo for the American Heart Association’s 2026 Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk. The event celebrated heart disease and stroke survivors and supported the lifesaving mission of the Association by raising $350,000 and counting for research, education and local impact initiatives. As part of the event, participants also learned Hands-Only CPR, helping build a community of lifesavers ready to act in a cardiac arrest emergency. 

“A single moment can turn any one of us into a lifesaver,” said Bill Cummings, Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk chair and chief executive officer at Legacy Construction. “When cardiac arrest happens, knowing what to do can be the difference. Our goal is for every household in Central Valley to have someone prepared and confident to act when seconds matter most.” 

According to the Association's 2024 CPR Perceptions Survey, 39% of respondents report feeling "extremely confident" or "very confident" when asked about their ability to perform CPR — an increase from 33% in 2021, which equates to approximately 17.7 million more adults highly confident in their CPR skills. However, 61% of respondents still do not report high levels of confidence to act during a cardiac emergency, underscoring the critical need for continued CPR training and awareness.  

Highlights from the day included a festival area with photo opportunities, blood pressure screenings, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, a tribute wall where participants could remember those lost to heart disease and stroke and two non-competitive walking paths.  

This year's top fundraising companies included Arthur J. Gallagher Co., Camarena Health and Meyers Constructors, Inc. The top community team was Amy's Circle of Strength.  

The Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk is locally sponsored by Legacy Construction. To make a donation to the American Heart Association through the Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk visit CentralValleyHeartWalk.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. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred 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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In the Central Valley, find the American Heart Association at heart.org/NorthernCalifornia or on Facebook, X and Instagram.   

For Media Inquiries:  

Amber Moak, amber.moak@heart.org 

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

heart.org and stroke.org