More than 15,000 ‘walked to save lives’ at the 2023 Greater Orlando Walk contributing to the fight against heart disease and stroke
ORLANDO, Fl., November 13, 2023 —The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, celebrated yet another Heart Walk bringing together over 15,000 people from the Greater Orlando area who are committed to the organization’s mission. The goal of the event is to not only raise funds for lifesaving research, but to bring together members of the community. The event theme was, “I Walk to Save Lives,” and underscored the importance of living a physically active, tobacco-free and healthy lifestyle. In partnership with generous donors and local company sponsors, the Orlando market raised over $1 million in the fight against the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death, heart disease and stroke.
By joining and donating to the Orlando Heart Walk, participants support the lifesaving mission of the Association and safeguard that fewer people die from heart disease and stroke. The inspirational day featured activations centered around survivor celebration, nutrition, CPR demonstrations, and sponsor tents dedicated to overall community engagement.
Highlights from the event included an energizing Zumba warm-up hosted by Dixie Salazar, a National Anthem performance by Ericka Dunlap, and enthusiastic co-host appearances by Magic 1077 fan favorites Leslye Gayle and Chad Pitt.
Following 2023 Heart Walk Chair Brad Hillmon’s closing remarks, Ambassador Kennedy and her mother Kristen Green kicked off the walk in the Enterprise red pace car. The excitement carried throughout the day as each walker crossed the finish line.
With over 70 companies and 539 teams showing their support this year, the Greater Orlando Heart Walk certainly conquered The American Heart Association’s mission to inspire longer and healthier lives. The top three fundraising companies– in descending order -Walgreens, AdventHealth, and Brasfield & Gorrie.
The event was also made possible with the support of local 2023 Heart Walk sponsors including the Getting to the Heart of Stroke™ sponsor HCA Florida Healthcare, Live Fierce! Life is Why sponsor AdventHealth, Duda & Sons, Walgreens, Brooks Rehabilitation, Orlando Health, Brasfield & Gorrie, Enterprise Holdings, Gilbane, JP Morgan & Chase, Mitsubishi Power, ADP, and TLC Engineering Solutions. We also welcomed the return of radio media sponsor Magic 1077 and Rumba 100.3.
“The Heart Walk is about getting people moving, celebrating health and honoring our survivors,” said Heather Maloney, executive director of the American Heart Association Greater Orlando market. “Thank you to all the walkers, sponsors, survivors and volunteers who took a step towards better health and made this year’s Heart Walk a great success.”
The Greater Orlando Walk is the signature event of the Association’s Heart Challenge program which is designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and wellbeing. 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.
The funds raised from the Greater Orlando Heart Walk go towards 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. Visit www2.heart.org to learn more.
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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 or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Emory Parkins | Emory.Parkins@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
