The American Heart Association Heart Walk promotes CPR readiness, celebrates survivors, and drives critical cardiovascular research
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, October 9, 2025 — The American Heart Association’s Southern New England Heart Walk united more than 3,000 participants on June 7, 2025, raising $449,000 to support lifesaving research, education and community health programs.
Held at Rhode Island College, the annual event brought together survivors, families and companies across the region for a day of celebration, remembrance and action in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
The 2025 Heart Walk was co-chaired by David Pellegrino, senior vice president, general counsel and chief risk officer at Navigant Credit Union, and his son Peter Pellegrino, a heart transplant survivor and student. Together, the father-and-son team led an inspiring campaign that spotlighted the power of survivorship, family and community.
The event featured moving remarks from local survivor speakers, team celebrations, family-friendly activities and recognition of top fundraising teams and companies that went above and beyond to support the American Heart Association’s mission.
Celebrating Corporate and Community Leadership
Navigant Credit Union was recognized as the Top Company for its outstanding fundraising and employee participation, while Brown University Health earned the Health Industry Cup Challenge award for its leadership in advancing health equity and well-being across the region.
The Heart Walk also celebrated the commitment of dozens of Executives with Heart and recognized top individual fundraisers, including David Pellegrino, Andrea Dwyer, David Darling, Edward McGookin, Kayla Mahoney, Steven Panza, Helen Lupu and Trish Poulin.
“Each of our partners and participants plays a vital role in driving our mission forward,” said Michelle Clark, executive director of the American Heart Association in Southern New England. “This year’s Heart Walk showed what’s possible when our community walks with purpose and we’re proud to build on that momentum as we look ahead to the coming year.”
Building on Momentum for 2025–26
The excitement and collaboration generated by this year’s Heart Walk carried forward into the 2025–26 campaign, which officially launched at the Executive Breakfast on Sept. 30 at Wannamoisett Country Club.
This year’s campaign will be chaired by Kevin Tracey, president of Bank of America, who will lead the region’s corporate and community efforts to advance heart health, and strengthen lifesaving initiatives across Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts.
“With so many inspiring stories and dedicated partners behind us, this campaign year is about deepening our impact behind Tracey’s strong leadership,” Gretta Jacobs, development director of the Heart Challenge at the American Heart Association said. “Together, we’ll continue building a healthier, more resilient Southern New England, one heart at a time.”
Funds raised through the Heart Walk support critical initiatives, including Hands-Only CPR training, nutrition security programs, and community-based efforts that ensure every person has access to the care and knowledge needed for a longer, healthier life.
The 2025–26 campaign will culminate in the next Southern New England Heart Walk, scheduled for June 2026. Teams are currently being recruited, and sponsorship is available. For more information, please email Gretta Jacobs, Heart Challenge Development Director at Gretta.Jacobs@heart.org. To learn more, register a team, or continue fundraising efforts, click here.
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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Samantha Bowen; Samantha.Bowen@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org