Washington, DC, November 2, 2024 – Thousands of survivors, business leaders and medical professionals convened for the annual Greater Washington Heart Walk at the National Mall. Representing more than 500 teams, 84 companies and around 10,000 walkers, Heart Walk supporters raised $2 million to advance CPR education, research and scientific innovation, and efforts to improve community wellbeing across the Greater Washington Region and around the world.
As the American Heart Association celebrates 100 years of research and impact, heart disease remains the number one killer of Americans, and stroke is the fifth leading cause of death. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen each year and bystander CPR is performed less than half the time. The Heart Walk highlighted the need to expand the Nation of Lifesavers by training people in hands-only CPR. Just two weeks before the walk, the DC Council passed the CPR Act, requiring schools to have cardiac emergency response plans.
The event was led by Heart Walk chair Owen Billman, president of Blake Real Estate, and Executives With Heart chair Jeff Bosick and sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, Sheehy Auto Stores, Blake Real Estate, Amgen, Booz Allen Hamilton, Burness, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, DAVIS Construction, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Leidos, Millennium Corporation, MITRE, Peraton, RSI, Shoppers Food, Van Metre, Verizon, WASH-FM, Fox 5, City Girls Who Walk and DC Fray.
The Executives With Heart campaign raised a record $715,000. Top fundraisers included Linda Gooden of Gooden LLC, Vince Sheehy of Sheehy Auto Stores, Owen Billman of Blake Real Estate, Vicki Schmanske of Leidos and Marlena Villar of Inova.
The event was emceed by WASH-FM radio personality Jenni Chase, returning for the fourth year and Fox 5’s Shirin Rajaee. Fitness expert Laurent Amzallag helped walkers warm up and cool down. This year, the walk featured a survivor lane, honoring heart disease, heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest survivors as they crossed the finish line. Singer Gray Gatling delivered the national anthem with support from the United States Army Continental Color Guard. Leaders of Impact and Women of Impact participants took the stage to help lead the countdown to the start of the walk. The event also featured a kids’ zone with games and activities for all ages and the highly anticipated pet parade boasting a record number of dogs.
Donations in support of the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk can be made through the end of 2024 at www.GreaterWashingtonHeartWalk.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.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Hannah Ross
Hannah.ross@heart.org
For Public Inquiries
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org