Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk saves lives with every step
Fresno, Calif., October 16, 2023 — The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, will host the Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk on Saturday, October 28 at Tesoro Viejo in Madera. The event will celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity to improve heart and brain health.
Led by Luckvinder “Lucky” Malhi, 2023 Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk chairman and vice president of cardiac services for Community Health System, the family-friendly event kicks off at 8:00 a.m. More than 500 walkers are expected to participate and the Association has set a fundraising goal of $350,000.
“I am walking because both of my parents had open heart surgery,” Malhi said. “They along with all of our patients are my inspiration to support the American Heart Association’s mission.”
The theme of this year’s Heart and Stroke Walk is “I Walk to Save Lives.” Walk participants are invited to express, share and be inspired by the reasons WHY they and others walk. Phil Roberts is walking in this year’s event to celebrate his recovery from open heart surgery and to pay tribute to family members he has lost to heart disease.
“I come from a family with a long history of heart disease,” said Roberts. “I’ve been dealing with this my whole life. I am walking to show others who may be newer to heart conditions that it is important to not give up. Keep pushing for answers and do the work it takes to lead a healthy lifestyle.”
Participants can register for the Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk by visiting CentralValleyHeartWalk.org. From there, they can create personal fundraising pages, download the Heart Walk mobile app, and encourage family and friends to join.
Every walker who joins and every dollar donated, means more lives saved. Donations from the Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk go toward research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality. The Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk is nationally sponsored by CVS Health Aetna.
Event information:
Registration and event information: CentralValleyHeartWalk.org
Festivities start at 8:00 a.m.
Walking begins at 9:00 a.m.
The event starts and finishes at the Welcome Center at Tesoro Viejo in Madera.
The non-timed course is a two-mile route with a short turnaround option available. Survivors can ring the bell upon crossing the celebratory finish line.
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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 nearly a century. Connect with Central Valley market on heart.org/CentralValley, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org
Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
