On Saturday, April 13th, the 2024 Lynchburg Heart Walk begins on the Island Riverwalk Trail in Percival.

The festival begins at 9 a.m., with the four-mile walk officially beginning at 10 a.m., with a variety of activities scheduled throughout the morning aimed at spreading awareness about heart disease and interventions.

“At the HeartWalk, the American Heart Association’s (AHA) largest event, our mission is to bring teams and individuals together to celebrate the life-saving funds raised for the AHA and learn about the lifestyle changes they can make. to improve heart health and honor survivors of disease and stroke,” said Elizabeth Vail, Senior Development Director.

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The walk is not only a way to spread awareness about heart disease and stroke, but also a donation opportunity to raise money for those currently battling these life-threatening issues. Since its founding in 1924, AHA has raised thousands of dollars for this cause. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2024, the association is working even harder.

“For more than a century, AHA has saved and improved lives across the country. And now, with courageous hearts, we move into our second century. In our 100-year history, We have saved and improved countless lives. Over the next 100 years, we will go even further by enabling everyone around the world to enjoy the healthiest lives possible. ,” Vail said.

AHA will use funds raised from the Heart Walk to place CPR kits in schools, provide nutritional counseling in the community, and partner with local hospitals to provide quality care through the Follow the Guidelines program. intend to do something. They also fund life-saving research in the Lynchburg area.

In the past, AHA research has led to breakthrough developments in open-heart surgery, pacemakers, brain clot retrieval devices, drug-coated stents, hypothermia, transarterial valve insertion, and robotic surgery, to name a few. has been achieved. With funding from this walk and others across the country, the association plans to continue advancing technology to help prevent and treat heart disease and stroke.

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In addition to awareness and donations, the event brings the community together through a variety of activities for kids and adults alike.

“I enjoy the camaraderie at the event and training for the 4-mile,” Vail said. “(And) we think students will enjoy the fun of events like the dog parade, paparazzi wall, MadLad DJ, and CPR Anytime training.”

Vail said the Heart Walk has been successful in the past, and she expects this year to be no different. While AHA welcomes community members to participate in a day full of exercise and education, it also hopes that individuals will adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle after participating.

For more information about the walk, to donate, or to find additional AHA resources, visit this website.

hess I’m a news reporter for Liberty Champion.