DALLAS, November 10, 2023 — The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, brought over 30,000 people together for the 2023 Dallas and Fort Worth Heart Walks this fall. The annual walks raise lifesaving funds and bolster community partnerships. This year’s theme, “I Walk to Save Lives,” underscores the importance of living a physically active, tobacco-free and healthy lifestyle.

Community teams started by individuals who gathered family and friends for the cause celebrated alongside teams representing corporations and local organizations.  Support from generous donors and local company sponsors helped the North Texas events raise over $5 million, in the fight against the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers, heart disease and stroke.

Both walks offered a one- and three-mile route option, with Dallas participants arriving before sunrise at the base of Reunion Tower. In Tarrant County, Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum was the starting line for walkers in Fort Worth and comedy troupe Curtis Needs a Ride brought the energy.  Highlights of the day included a live warmup by DJ Bill Cody, a kid’s zone, animal petting area and a Paw-lympics for the four-legged walkers in attendance.  In both locations, Medical City Healthcare, supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, sponsored activations giving participants a real-time blood pressure reading and a chance review their numbers with volunteer nursing students. Before the walk, crowds strolled through the fun and participated in educational activities focusing on healthy eating, getting the right amount of sleep, knowing health numbers and managing weight. A rousing national anthem by former Miss North Texas and heart survivor Chloe Burke delighted the walkers in Dallas before the air-horn signaled the start. Videos from both events can be seen here.

“The Heart Walk is a special day across North Texas and for the American Heart Association community. We’re grateful to the thousands of people who dedicated their Saturday morning to support our lifesaving mission,” said Regional Senior Vice President, Jill Griffiths. “One of my favorite things about the Heart Walk is that it truly is an event for everyone. We encourage people from all backgrounds to live a heart healthy lifestyle.  I’m proud to say we design our Heart Walks to ensure the event mimics that same level of inclusivity.”

The events were also made possible with the support of local 2023 Heart Walk Sponsors:

Dallas

  • AT&T
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas 
  • Denbury Resources
  • McCarthy Building Companies 
  • Oncor 
  • Toyota Motor North America 
  • Landis and Gyr (Gear) 
  • Primoris Services Company 
  • Medical City Healthcare supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation 

Fort Worth

  • BNSF
  • Charles Schwab Foundation
  • Medical City Healthcare supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation
  • Centre for Neuro Skills
  • Sandlin Homes

North Texas is on track to welcome close to 50,000 participants for the 2024 Heart Walks, as it celebrates the Association’s 100th year. Heart Walk is the signature event of the Association’s Heart Challenge program which helps companies positively impact thousands of local employees’ overall health and wellbeing. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events to inspire employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get physically active while supporting a great cause, and have a lot of fun doing it.

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke and helping families and communities thrive. Funds raised during events like Heart Walk ensure more cardiovascular research, and the highest hospital standards of care, which in turn will save more lives. The Association is actively working to expand its ability to impact health in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex by growing the Heart Challenge program. For more information in the Dallas County area, you can reach out at danielle.chelf@heart.org and in Tarrant County to jennifer.swofford@heart.org.

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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries: 

Lindsey Lyons: 469-499-6408; lindsey.lyons@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org

Texas social media:
 @AmericanHeartTX on FB, IG and X