Bakersfield, Calif., September 25, 2023 —The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, will host the Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk on Saturday, October 14 at the outdoor Amphitheatre at California State University, Bakersfield. The event will celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity to improve heart and brain health. 

Led by David Harrington, 2023 Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk chairman and president and chief operating officer for the Centre for Neuro Skills, the family-friendly event kicks off at 8:00 a.m. More than 500 walkers are expected to participate, and the American Heart Association has set a fundraising goal of $350,000. 

“Every walker who joins and every dollar donated means more lives saved,” Harrington said. “I see firsthand how innovative and groundbreaking treatments for stroke make a difference. By participating in and donating to the Kern County Heart Walk, supporters positively impact patients and clinicians alike, accelerating lifesaving science and reducing death and disability from stroke and heart disease.” 

The theme of this year’s Heart and Stroke Walk is “I Walk to Save Lives.”  Walk participants are invited to express, share and be inspired by the reasons WHY they and others walk. Adrianne King and her husband, Brian Malfitano, are walking in this year’s event to celebrate Brian’s recovery from a massive heart attack in 2019. 

“It hasn’t been easy road to get my health back,” Malfitano said. “I’ve had to completely overhaul my lifestyle – I make healthier food choices and I’m exercising regularly. We encourage everyone to take proactive steps now to protect their health later – like getting outside and walking together.” 

Participants can register for the Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk by visiting BakersfieldHeartWalk.com. From there, they can create personal fundraising pages, download the Heart Walk mobile app, and encourage family and friends to join. 

Funds raised from the Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk go toward research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.

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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 the American Heart Association in Kern County on heart.org/southerncalifornia, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries: 

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org