Heroes Among Us: Celebrate heart health and lifesavers at the Palm Beach County Heart Walk

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Family fun and CPR demonstrations scheduled for the Nov. 9 event

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Oct. 24, 2024 – As fall activities come into full swing, more than 5,000 area residents are expected to attend a tradition that is close to their hearts – the Palm Beach County Heart Walk. The Nov. 9 Walk at the Meyer Amphitheatre is a family-friendly event with yard games, health-boosting activities, CPR demonstrations, and a beautiful 3.1-mile walk along the water.

Yanela Vickers has been bringing her family to the Palm Beach County Heart Walk for seven years. She is a survivor of heart failure, an advocate of heart health, and this year, she served as a national spokesperson as a member of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women 2024 Class of Survivors.

“Walking alongside my family, advocates, and survivors amplifies my drive to continue the fight against heart disease,” says Vickers. “It inspires me to keep uplifting the many voices and experiences of those who continue to be burdened by the No. 1 cause of death in America.”  

Mike Button, along with his wife Stephanie and their friends, has been attending the Heart Walk ever since Stephanie saved his life with CPR in 2022.

“CPR saved my life, and the technology developed from research funded by the Heart Association keeps me alive and helps me get stronger every day,” Button says.

CPR is a major focus of this year’s Heart Walk experience. When individuals register for the Walk at PalmBeachHeartWalk.org or on the Heart Walk mobile app, they are prompted to take a 90-second digital CPR training. There will also be Hands-Only CPR demonstrations at the event itself, so participants can test their skills on CPR manikins.

The Heart Walk will also include a presentation of the Lifesaver Award, which will be given to an area resident who has saved a life with CPR within the past two years. Nominations must be submitted by Nov. 4 at this link.

This year’s Heart Walk campaign is particularly special because it’s taking place during the American Heart Association’s centennial year. In honor of the big year, the campaign has three co-chairs: Thomas Bean of NextEra Energy, a sister company of Florida Power & Light Company, TBC Corporation’s Megan Filoon and Gunster’s Bill Perry.

The top sponsors of this year’s event are Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, HCA Florida Healthcare, supported by the HCA Florida Foundation, Florida Power & Light Company, Gunster, Medical Specialists of the Palm Beaches and TBC Corporation. Media sponsors are X102.3, Sunny 107.9, Florida Weekly and WPTV.

For more information, contact Jessie.Brooks@Heart.org or visit PalmBeachHeartWalk.org.

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.orgFacebookInstagram and X.

For Media Inquiries:  

Nina Barbero, APR

nina.barbero@heart.org