SEATTLE, August 26, 2024 – Survivors of heart disease and stroke, along with corporate teams and other supporters of the American Heart Association, will walk to save lives from cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The 2024 Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk will be held on Saturday, September 21 at Seattle Center and on Saturday, September 28 at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma.
Along with encouraging participants to stay physically active and make heart-healthy lifestyle choices, this year the American Heart Association has made CPR awareness a key part of the participant experience. Registered walkers learn Hands-Only CPR through a digital experience that includes a 90-second instructional video, and walkers will have the chance to practice compressions at the events.
“If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. The more people that know to call 911 and give CPR, the more families that will be together,” said Brett Daniel, M.D., M.H.A., who survived cardiac arrest in 2007 while out for a jog with his wife and son. His wife gave him CPR until medics arrived six minutes later. Dr. Daniel is a board member for the American Heart Association Puget Sound and chief informatics officer with Optum Pacific Northwest and West Region. “By sharing CPR education with Heart and Stroke Walk participants, thousands more people are being turned from bystanders into lifesavers.” CPR, especially if given immediately, can double or triple the chance of survival, according to the American Heart Association.
The Heart and Stroke Walk is the signature community event for the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of work to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. The event serves to benefit the community beyond educating participants about heart disease and stroke. Every dollar raised helps to save lives by funding scientific research that can lead to medical breakthroughs, as well as programs that drive public health policy, set guidelines for medical care and educate the community.
“Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading killer of people living in the United States. The Heart and Stroke Walk is a meaningful way to make an impact and it has always been a fun way to get moving with friends, family or coworkers,” said Eddie Bratko, president, MultiCare Tacoma General and MultiCare Allenmore Hospitals, co-chairperson for the 2024 campaign. Bratko is co-leading efforts to raise $1.5 million through the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk, along with co-chairperson Wade Hunt, president, MultiCare Pulse Heart Institute.
Participants can register for the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk at PugetSoundHeartWalk.org. From there, they can create a fundraising page, download the Heart Walk mobile app, invite family and friends to participate and take part in the Heart and Stroke Walk CPR Digital Experience to learn Hands-Only CPR in 90 seconds.
Heart disease and stroke survivors will be recognized at the walk with honorary red and white caps and a special finish line where they can ring a bell to celebrate. This year’s Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk is sponsored by CVS/Aetna, Delta Dental of Washington, MultiCare Health System and Providence Health Plan.
Event Details
Seattle: Saturday, Sept. 21 at Seattle Center by the International Fountain
305 Harrison St., Seattle 98109
Festivities open at 7:30 a.m.; opening ceremonies at 8:45 a.m.; walking starts at 9:00 a.m.
3-mile and 1-mile options
Tacoma: Saturday, Sept. 28 at Cheney Stadium
2502 S. Tyler St., Tacoma 98405
Festivities open at 8:30 a.m.; opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m.; walking begins at 10:00 a.m.
3-mile and 1-mile options
Event info and registration PugetSoundHeartWalk.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 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. To reach the American Heart Association in Washington visit heart.org/Washington or on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For Media Inquiries:
Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org
Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org