Walk for heart disease: The 2024 Lynchburg Heart Walk held at Riverwalk Trail

On Saturday, April 13, the 2024 Lynchburg Heart Walk will commence at Percival’s Island Riverwalk Trail.

With festivities beginning as early as 9 a.m. and the 4-mile walk officially beginning at 10 a.m., the morning is set to be packed with a wide variety of activities aimed at spreading awareness for heart disease and intervention.

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

The walk is not only a means of spreading awareness for heart disease and stroke, but is also a time for donation to help raise money for those currently battling these life-threatening issues. Since being founded in 1924, the AHA has raised thousands of dollars for this cause. Now, 2024 marks the organization’s centennial anniversary, the association is working even harder.

“For over a century, the AHA has saved and improved lives across the nation. And now, with bold hearts, we’re forging ahead into our second century. Over our 100-year history, we’ve saved and improved countless lives. In our next 100 years, we’re taking it even further by ensuring everyone everywhere enjoys their healthiest lives,” Vail said.

With the money raised at the Heart Walk, the AHA plans to place CPR kits in schools, provide nutrition counseling to the community and work with local hospitals to provide higher quality care through their program “Get With the Guidelines.” They are additionally funding life-saving research in the Lynchburg area.

In the past, AHA research has accomplished groundbreaking developments such as open heart surgery, the pacemaker, a clot retractor for the brain, drug-coated stents, hypothermia therapy, transarterial valve insertion and robotics surgery, to name a few. With the funds from this walk and others across the nation, the association plans to continue advancing technology to help prevent and treat heart disease and stroke.

Along with awareness and donation, the event also brings the community together with a variety of activities for kids and adults to enjoy.

“I enjoy the fellowship at the event as well as the 4-mile workout,” Vail said. “(And) I think that students will enjoy the fun of the event — the pooch parade, paparazzi wall, MadLad DJ, CPR Anytime training and more.”

According to Vail, the Heart Walk has been successful in the past, and she expects this year to be no different. As the AHA welcomes in members of the community to participate in a day filled with exercise and education, they additionally hope that individuals will adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle after participating.

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

Hess is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion