Seth Kronenberg, MD, President and CEO of Crouse Health, will lead the charge as the 2025 American Heart Association Heart Walk Chairman to build a community of lifesavers in Central New York. Under Dr. Kronenberg’s leadership, top executives throughout the Central New York region will unite to recruit companies and organizations to join the Heart Walk, a year-round campaign aimed at raising funds to fight cardiovascular disease while equipping people with the education, knowledge and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR.
“CPR education and community preparedness are vital components of building a community of lifesavers,” said Dr. Kronenberg. “In cases of cardiac arrest, every second counts. Educating the community ensures more people are prepared to act quickly and effectively. This message aligns perfectly with the Crouse mission of providing the best in patient care and promoting community health.”
The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, has put a spotlight on CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. According to the Association, nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die[1] yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival[2]. Dr. Kronenberg and a team of top executive leaders are committed to ensuring that more people in Central New York are prepared to respond effectively in these life-or-death situations.
“The Heart Walk gives Central New York residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community” said Heather Evans, executive director of the American Heart Association in Central New York. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising awareness, enhancing CPR training, and building a network of lifesavers throughout Central New York. With Dr. Kronenberg at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.”
The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Central New York. This year, companies participating in the Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.
The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to empowering individuals everywhere to act in the event of a cardiac emergency, making sure that no one is left without the help they need when seconds count.
“There’s incredible power in numbers! When companies, communities and individuals come together to support the Heart Walk, they create a ripple effect of positive change,” said Dr. Kronenberg. “Your support is a testament to the power of unity and the impact we can make when we walk together. Let’s keep moving forward, one step at a time, towards a healthier future for all.”
The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at SRC Arena, where thousands of participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. Companies interested in participating can contact Heart Walk Director Kim Allen at Kim.Allen@heart.org. For more information about the Syracuse Heart Walk, visit SyracuseHeartWalk.org.
[1] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123 (2023 American Heart Association Stats Update)
[2] Association of Bystander and First‐Responder Efforts and Outcomes According to Sex: Results From the North Carolina