Chicago, FEBRUARY 13, 2023 -The need is greater than ever before to ensure that everyone, everywhere has the opportunity for a longer, healthier life. The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, has named Sarah Casalan Bittle, President of The UPS Store, Inc., as chairman of the 2023 Chicago Heart Challenge. In this role, Casalan Bittle will lead the 2023 Heart Walk campaign to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association’s Heart Challenge® is a suite of activities and initiatives designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspire employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause and have a lot of fun doing it.

“My heart journey began when my youngest son was 10 months old and received corrective heart surgery. I would have never imagined that six years later, as a healthy, active, young woman of 47, I would be facing a catastrophic cardiac crisis of my own,” said Casalan Bittle. “My son and I are here with our family because we had access to timely and extraordinary medical, rehabilitative and educational care.  The Heart Challenge supports extending that care to all corners of our community, and it is my great privilege to turn my pain into purpose in my role with the American Heart Association.”

The 2023 Heart Challenge culminates with the Metro Chicago Heart Walk held at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Friday, September 22 and at the DuPage County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 23.

The Heart Walk unites the community in celebrating health and honoring survivors. Casalan Bittle will be joined by other likeminded city executives working to increase physical and mental health, combat burnout and promote community engagement.

The funds raised at all Heart Challenge events fund the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives while supporting priority issues in Metro Chicago. CPR has been identified by the American Heart Association Chicago Heart Challenge campaign to improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates while teaching community members the life-saving skill of CPR. Visit www.heart.org/handsonlyCPR for more information.

To learn more about engaging your workforce in Heart Challenge events, or to join Casalan Bittle and other area executives, visit www.MetroChicagoHeartWalk.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.

For Media Inquiries:
Julia Kersey: julia.kersey@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org