Estero, Fla., Nov. 12, 2024 —The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, hosted the 2024 Collier Heart Walk at Cambier Park on Saturday, November 2, raising over $360,000 to help fund lifesaving research. This year’s event, chaired by Dr. Mazen Albaghdadi with the NCH Rooney Heart Institute welcomed over 50 companies and 3,000 participants

Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities like the “Stomp Out the Stress” zone, Kid’s Zone, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, photo stations and more. Walkers warmed up with the local training studio, BEYOND MOTION, before embarking on the 5k route. Participants looking for more of a challenge had the option to run the 5k in the Heart Walk Runner’s Lane, sponsored by WVL Synergy.  

For over 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke, helping families and communities thrive. Funds raised through the Heart Walk ensure more cardiovascular research is funded, hospitals administer the highest standards of care, and more lives are saved. With nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital dying—often due to a lack of bystander CPR—the Association is broadening efforts to drive CPR education, awareness, and community initiatives through the Heart Walk. This initiative enhances CPR training accessibility, bolsters bystander preparedness, increases funding for vital research, and saves lives from cardiovascular diseases, the No. 1 cause of death among adults in Collier County.

“The overwhelming support from our community was the cornerstone of this year’s Collier Heart Walk success. From local businesses to individual participants, everyone played a crucial role in surpassing our fundraising goals. This collective effort not only fuels our mission but also strengthens the bonds within our community, showing that together, we can make a significant impact on heart and brain health,” said Jessaca Rodriguez, executive director of development and community health at the American Heart Association.

“We all hope for a world of longer, healthier lives. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate that future, each of us needs to be part of the progress. Since the AHA’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been cut in half. And yet, there are still so many lives to be saved. By driving breakthroughs in science, policy, and care, together, we can continue to advance health and transform lives every day. Join our movement to change the future of health and be the progress that ensures longer, healthier lives for all,” Rodriguez said.

The event was made possible with the support of the 2024 Collier Heart Walk sponsors, including NCH as platform sponsor; City Furniture; Florida Blue; WVL Synergy; Golisano Children’s Hospital; Moorings Park; Shelly & Fred Church (Kyle’s Team); Physicians Regional; B&I Contractors; Humana Healthy Horizons; Win Big Charity; Carter Fence; Millennium Physician Group; Suffolk; Walmart; Pamela Knous & Arnold Schmidt; Woods, Weidenmiller, Michetti & Rudnick; BeneCard; DexaFit Naples; Orick Marine; Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists; Raymond James and media sponsor LocaliQ/Naples Daily News.

Donations to support the Collier Heart Walk can be made through the end of December at 2024 Collier Heart Walk.

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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.orgFacebookX or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Janeth P. Castrejon:  janeth.castrejon@heart.org

heart.org and stroke.org