Greater Atlanta Heart walkers save lives with every step
ATLANTA – OCTOBER 4, 2023 -- The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, hosted the 2023 Greater Atlanta Heart Walk at Atlantic Station on Saturday, September 30 and raised over $2.5 million to help fund innovative research that will save lives. This year, 71 companies, nearly 700 teams and 7,000 participants came together to walk for healthier and longer lives in metro Atlanta.
Highlights of the day included a live fitness warmup by Alvin Bailey of Hills4ATL. The National Anthem by violinist Michelle Winters, and the inspiring story of Axel Crate, 6-year-old heart survivor who was born with several congenital heart defects. The crowd was entertained by emcees Art Terrell from WJZA Smooth Jazz 101/100.1 in addition to Sharon Lawson and Buck Lanford of Fox 5 News Good Day Atlanta.
For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke and helping families and communities thrive. Funds raised for the Heart Walk ensure that more cardiovascular research is funded, more hospitals administer the highest standards of care, and more lives are saved.
“The Heart Walk is about getting people moving, celebrating life and caring for all of the hearts we love,” said Scott Webb, board chairman of the American Heart Association in metro Atlanta and vice president, account services, Pointnext Technology Services at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “Thank you to our walkers, sponsors, and incredible volunteers who took a step towards better health and made this year’s Walk a great success.”
The Greater Atlanta Heart Walk was chaired by Robert Bunch, president of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia. Bunch brought together 14 local leaders who served on the Executive Leadership Team at this year’s Walk:
- Adam Bush, ADP
- Jeff Buzzelli, Comcast Business
- Tom Draper, Wellstar Health System
- Jeff George, Manhattan Construction
- Kim Gresh, SA White Oil Company
- Ben Holland, Northside Hospital Heart Institute
- David Jones, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Justin Kanitz, Burns & McDonnell
- Nichole Miles-Sullivan, Southern Company
- Ken Morge, Delta Air Lines
- Kay Stewart-Huey, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- Scott Webb, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Dan Whigham, PwC
- Dan Owens, Community Volunteer
“This year’s Greater Atlanta Heart Walk symbolized the strides we have made in the fight against heart disease and stroke,” said Bunch. “The survivors honored at the event reminded us how far we have come in research and advancements, but also how much work is still left to be done within our community.”
The event was made possible with the support of the 2023 Greater Atlanta Heart Walk sponsors, including: Southern Company, Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light and Georgia Natural Gas; Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Northside Hospital, ADP, Comcast Business and Xfinity, Prudential and Wellstar Health System, Home Depot, SA White Oil Company, Burns & McDonnell, Delta Dental, Emory Healthcare, Genuine Parts Company, Hello Heart, Sonder Health Plans and our media sponsors Fox 5 Atlanta and WJZA Smooth Jazz 101/100.1 FM.
Donations in support of the Greater Atlanta Heart Walk can be made through the end of 2023 at greateratlantaheartwalk.org.
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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, X formally Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Erin Thomas; Erin.Thomas@heart.org
