VICTORIA, Texas, Dec. 13, 2024 – Vee Strauss, regional external affairs manager of AEP Texas, and Bernard Leger, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System, have been named co-chairpersons of the 2025 Crossroads Heart and Stroke Walk, set for Feb. 1 at Riverside Park. The walk is the largest in Victoria and is the signature event of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all.

Under Strauss and Leger’s leadership, top executives throughout the Crossroads area will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people.

Strauss has been involved with the walk since its inception seven years ago. She served on the team that started the walk in 2019. Her husband underwent surgery to repair a heart value when he was 50.

“Early detection and proactive treatment resulted in a great heart health outcome for him,” says Strauss.

This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die[1] yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival[2].

“Being prepared to respond quickly and effectively in these life-or-death situations makes all the difference,” says Strauss. “Anyone can change the outcome for someone experiencing cardiac arrest.”

“The Heart Walk gives residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community” said Brittany Sandbach, senior development director for the American Heart Association. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander.”

“We are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training and building a network of lifesavers throughout Victoria,” Sandbach said. “With Vee and Bernard at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”

"We envision a future where at least one person in every household knows CPR," said Leger. "The impact of having a trained, confident lifesaver in every home across Victoria cannot be overstated. By joining the Crossroads Heart and Walk, companies are helping to turn our community from bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that when a cardiac emergency occurs, there is someone ready to step in and make a difference."

More than 850 walkers are expected to participate in the Crossroads Heart and Stroke Walk and raise $150,000.

The Crossroads Heart and Stroke Walk is sponsored locally be DeTar Healthcare System and the City of Victoria. Companies interested in participating can contact should contact Sandbach at Brittany.Sandbach@heart.org. For more information about the walk, visit CrossroadsHeartWalk.org.

###

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

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org