MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 20, 2022 -- The American Heart Association’s Greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale market raised over $655,000 to save and improve lives across the community during its 2022 Miami-Dade Heart Walk in December. Hundreds of friends, teams, local companies and sponsors came together at Maurice A. Ferré Park to support lifesaving cardiovascular research, advocacy efforts and community programming.
The Heart Walk was chaired by David Donaldson, CEO of HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. Twenty-eight companies, 109 teams and nearly 1,500 walkers came together to walk for longer and healthier lives in South Florida.
Highlights of the day included a live fitness warmup by Allan Stewart, M.D., chief of cardiac and vascular surgery at HCA Florida. The national anthem was led by Grace Chaffins, American Heart Association volunteer and former Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) scholar. DJ Adam Mack with Esquire Events provided entertainment and Eileen Cardet, News Anchor with Univision 23 was the emcee.
“The Heart Walk is about getting people moving, celebrating life and caring for all of the hearts we love,” said Marisol Garcia, executive director of the American Heart Association in Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale. “Thank you to our walkers, sponsors and incredible volunteers who charged forward to make this year’s Walk so successful.”
The 2022 Miami-Dade Heart Walk campaign was chaired by HCA Mercy Hospital's CEO, David Donaldson. Donaldson brought together 16 local leaders who served on the Executive Leadership Team at this year’s Walk:
- Alexander Almazan, Almazan Law
- Wayne Brackin, KIDZ Medical
- Redmond Burke, M.D., Nicklaus Children's Hospital
- Frank Fernandez, City of Coral Gables
- Eli Friedman, M.D., Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, a part of Baptist Health South Florida
- Brandon Haushalter, HCA Florida Kendal Hospital and Medical Center
- Francesco Iacona, M.D., Schiller Americas
- Ryan LeMasters, HCA Florida Mercy Hospital
- David LeMonte, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital and Medical Center
- Eugene Marini, Victoria Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Perry Ann Reed, Nicklaus Children's Hospital
- Lupe Rivero, Community Care Plan
- Jose Romano, Doctor's Hospital, a part of Baptist Health South Florida
- Allan Stewart, M.S., HCA Florida Mercy Hospital
“The past year has shown us that no matter where we are, we can come together for a common cause,” said David Donaldson, CEO of HCA Mercy Hospital. “The Heart Walk is all about promoting the health and well-being of our community and supporting our lifesaving mission.”
For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke and helping families and communities thrive. Funds raised will ensure more cardiovascular research, and the highest hospital standards of care, which in turn will save more lives.
The event was made possible with the support of the following sponsors: Schiller Americas, Niklaus Children’s Hospital, Community Care Plan, Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, a part of Baptist Health South Florida, HCA Florida Healthcare, Florida Power and Light, First National Bank of South Miami, One Beat, Almazan Law, CITY Furniture, KIDZ Medical, LaCroix, Professional Bank, Ryder System, Inc., The Kemper Foundation, Victoria Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, ADP, and our media sponsors Brickell Magazine, Miami Kids Magazine, Univision-23 and WSVN.
Donations in support of the Miami-Dade Heart Walk can still be made at www.MiamiDadeHeartWalk.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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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For Media Inquiries:
Christina Vitale | christina.vitale@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org