The City of Brotherly Love came together in a heartwarming display of community spirit on November 4th, as the Greater Philadelphia Heart Walk celebrated its 25th anniversary at the iconic Citizens Bank Park. With over 10,000 participants lacing up their sneakers and hitting the pavement to Walk to Save Lives, this year’s event was a resounding success, raising an impressive $1.9 million for heart health initiatives.
Over the past quarter-century, this annual event has grown into a symbol of hope, unity, and a shared commitment to cardiovascular health. This year Kate FitzPatrick, Chief Nurse Executive Officer at Jefferson Health, chaired the silver jubilee event which brought together longtime supporters, new participants, and community leaders, all dedicated to making a positive impact on heart health.
Emceed by Jacqueline London, NBC 10 evening news anchor, Citizens Bank Park provided a stunning backdrop for the walk. The venue added a special touch to the event; the VIP Breakfast event held inside immediately following the Heart Walk provided guests an opportunity to also take a backstage tour of the stadium!
One of the most remarkable aspects of this year’s Heart Walk was the incredible fundraising effort. The collective commitment of participants resulted in a staggering $1.9 million raised! This substantial sum will go a long way in supporting crucial research, education, and community programs aimed at preventing heart disease and improving cardiovascular health.
Standing alongside 10,000 participants, the Greater Philadelphia Heart Walk demonstrated the unwavering support of the community. Families, friends, colleagues, and individuals united for a common cause – Walking to Save Lives to promote heart health and raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases. Even the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles mascots, Philly Fanatic and Swoop, joined in on the fun!
Throughout the event, participants shared their personal stories of triumph and resilience. Survivors, caregivers, and advocates alike came forward to inspire others and underscore the importance of maintaining heart health. These powerful narratives served as a reminder of the impact that the Greater Philadelphia Heart Walk has on individuals and families within the community.
As the 25th-anniversary celebration comes to a close, the Greater Philadelphia Heart Walk leaves behind a legacy of community strength and dedication to heart health. The success of this year’s event sets the stage for an even brighter future, where the community continues to come together annually to make a difference in the fight against heart disease.
The 2024 Heart Challenge will be led by Gregory E. Deavens, CEO of Independence Blue Cross. Click HERE to view the full photo album from the event! For more information about the American Heart Association Greater Philadelphia’s work in our community, visit: www.heart.org/philadelphia.
