The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is proud to announce Jessica Phaup, Executive Director of AstraZeneca, will serve as Chair of the 2023 Wilmington Heart Walk.
Jessica Phaup
The 2023 Heart Walk will take place Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Tubman Garrett Park on the riverfront in Wilmington. To register, visit www.heart.org/WilmingtonWalk. The event supports the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, whose mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives in Delaware and throughout the country.
“I have a strong personal commitment to the American Heart Association both in honor of my wonderful father, and in the work I do to improve medicines for patients with cardiovascular disease,” Phaup said. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and that equates to more than 2,300 deaths in Delaware alone each year. Even one loss is too many. That’s what has inspired me to take the reins and lead this important effort.”
The 2023 Wilmington Heart Walk is an opportunity for participants to walk in honor of those who suffer from heart disease and stroke, and to raise funds for the advancement of research initiatives and community programs. Heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 cause of death, claiming nearly a million American lives each year, more than all forms of cancer combined. Stroke is the fifth cause of death in the U.S., the third cause of death in Delaware, and a leading cause of long-term disability.
“AstraZeneca is deeply committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of its employees and the residents in Delaware,” Phaup said. “It’s gratifying to know that every dollar raised through the Wilmington Heart Walk will help save lives.”
The Heart Walk encourages Delawareans to make healthy choices including proper nutrition and adding physical activities, such as walking, to their daily routine. This is especially important for those living in local communities where 78% of the population does not consume enough fruits and vegetables and 25% report being inactive.
“Jessica Phaup is a highly regarded leader and a significant force for good in our community,” said Jennifer Hauck, Senior Vice President of the American Heart Association Eastern States Region. “We are indeed honored to have Ms. Phaup serve in this impactful leadership role, and we are grateful for her commitment to the community and to our mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”
Phaup’s tenure with AstraZeneca spans 23 years. She currently leads commercial business for the Acute Care unit, developing and delivering the U.S. marketing strategy and plans for a cardiovascular-related pharmaceutical. In addition to chairing the 2023 Wilmington Heart Walk, she serves on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association Delaware.
The Heart Walk features a three-mile walk in Wilmington, and a one-mile survivor route. The event highlights information on heart health and stroke prevention, sponsor tables with resources and giveaways, healthy fruit and snacks, and live entertainment. The 2023 Wilmington Heart Walk will take all precautions and measures to adhere to current Delaware state COVID-19 regulations.
AstraZeneca is the Signature Sponsor of the 2023 Wilmington Heart Walk. For more information about the event or how to get involved, visit www.heart.org/WilmingtonWalk or email Laura Loro at [email protected].