CSRA Heart Walk promotes healthy lifestyles while raising crucial funds

The CSRA Heart Walk, which promotes heart health was put on Friday night by The American Heart Association (AHA), bringing out 2,500 walkers to SRP Park. 

Walkers were able to create individual or team fundraising pages, allowing their friends, family and community network to raise crucial funds for the AHA. These fundraising pages will remain up for approximately six weeks past the date of the walk. 

Inside the walk

Participants had the option of walking a 5k or 1 mile route, and AHA Executive Director Ansley Howze said that the event, which promotes getting active, is perfectly aligned with the organization’s mission of encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. 

“We all know someone who has been affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke and we also know that 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable by lifestyle factors,” said Howze. “Not only is this a fun event for a great cause, it really helps people get active too.”

Howze also said that the fundraising efforts go directly back to the community.

“We put those funds to work right here for education, community initiatives and funding research,” she said. “It’s so important for the community to come out. We’re grateful for such a good turn out.” 

Support for loved ones

Many participants walked in support of loved ones who have battled with cardiovascular health issues. 

Mary Collins, who was walking with Gospel Water Branch Baptist Church in Evans, was no different. 

Collins’ late husband had heart-related health issues, and she said that participating in the Heart Walk is a way of carrying on his legacy. 

“He was a walker,” she said. “He would walk until his health declined. So, we’re trying to keep it up.” 

She added that seeing the community support was overwhelming.