ROANOKE, VA, October 20, 2022 — Your American Heart Association is excited to partner with local businesses and community teams for the return of the Roanoke Heart Walk, happening this Saturday, October 22nd, at River’s Edge Park. Registration opens at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m. Funds raised from the event will help fight the #1 and #5 killers of Americans – heart disease and stroke. This year’s Walk Chair is James “Buddy” Hill (New River Electrical Corporation).
“We are so excited to see the Roanoke area once again get to come together in this fight, especially with all we’ve been through these past few years,” said Elizabeth Vail, Senior Director of Development for the American Heart Association. “We are so excited to see all of the smiling faces of our community teams, volunteers, sponsors and, of course, our survivors.”
While the walk is in person, there will be precautions in place to keep walkers safe, including masks and hand sanitizer being available and the ability to be socially distant while on the walk path. Vaccinated participants may walk without a mask while unvaccinated participants are encouraged to wear a mask. Kroger is also sponsoring a “Stocking the Pantries” program and attendees are encouraged to bring healthy foods to donate to the Feeding Southwest Virginia food bank.
Area sponsors include New River Electrical Corporation, Eaton, Altec, Steel Dynamics, Kroger, Appalachian Power, Carilion Clinic, Delta Dental, Davis H. Elliot Company, AECOM, Guelich Capital Management, Avis Construction, Elbit Systems of America, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Friendship, Truist, Glenn Feldmann Darby & Goodlatte, and Roanoke Gas Company. WDBJ 7, Q99 FM and Lamar Outdoor are the media supporters for this event.
“We can’t say thanks enough to our sponsors and community partners,” added Vail. “They helped us bring the Heart Walk back to the region and without them our mission to save lives couldn’t happen.”
Vail reminds attendees to look for survivors wearing their special Red Caps (heart survivor) and White Caps (stroke survivor). “If you want to know why you help, just look at our Red Cap and White Cap survivors,” Vail said. “They are all the motivation you need.”
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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 us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Kevin Pauley:
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org