MELVILLE, N.Y., June 23, 2026 — The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, today announced that Dan Bodner, technology entrepreneur and founder of Verint Systems and CEO of Verixium Enterprise, will serve as chair of the 2026 Long Island Heart Walk campaign. Continuing the tradition of many years, the Heart Walk is a day for families to come together and enjoy a beach walk for a cause and a festival area, and this year, it will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Jones Beach, Field 1.
The Heart Walk is the Heart Association's premier fundraising event in the fight against this country’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers: heart disease and stroke. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital do not survive, a statistic the Association is working urgently to change through its Nation of Lifesavers initiative by ensuring at least one person in every household is equipped to perform hands-only CPR in a cardiac emergency.
“You don’t need a personal connection to cardiovascular disease to recognize the importance of this mission,” said Bodner. “Chairing the Long Island Heart Walk is an honor and an opportunity to bring our community together around a cause that truly saves lives.”
”Dan brings an extraordinary level of energy and dedication to this year’s Heart Walk. Following decades of building global technology companies on Long Island, he is now dedicating more of his time to mentorship and community leadership,” said Dawn Clark, associate executive vice president of development and community health at the American Heart Association. “His commitment to this community and to the lifesaving mission of the Association will help us reach more families across Long Island and bring us closer to a world where no one dies from a preventable cardiac event.”
The Long Island Heart Walk is more than a walk for a cause. It is a full day for families to come together and enjoy a festival area featuring a Kids Zone, photo booths, a hands-only CPR kiosk where attendees can learn the lifesaving skill video-game-style and much more. The event puts the Heart Association’s mission into action by giving everyday people the knowledge and confidence to act in a cardiac emergency.
Every dollar raised through the Heart Walk funds critical research, community health programs and the Association’s efforts to train millions of Americans in CPR and AED use.
For more information, contact Darby Schwier at darby.schwier@heart.org or visit www.longislandheartwalk.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. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Bong Arquiza, Bong.Arquiza@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
