Heart & Stroke Walk 2024 de Puget Sound: Saving Lives Step by Step
SEATTLE, August 26, 2024 – Survivors of heart disease and strokes, along with corporate teams and other supporters of the American Heart Association, will walk to save lives from heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The 2024 Heart & Stroke Walk Puget Sound will take place on Saturday, September 21 at Seattle Center and on Saturday, September 28 at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma.
In addition to encouraging participants to stay physically active and choose heart-healthy lifestyles, this year the American Heart Association has made CPR awareness a key part of the participant experience. Registered walkers will learn hands-only CPR through a digital experience that includes a 90-second instructional video, and they will also have the opportunity to practice compressions at the event.
“If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. The more people know to call 911 and perform CPR, the more families can stay together,” said Dr. Brett Daniel, M.D., M.H.A., who survived a cardiac arrest in 2007 while running with his wife and son. His wife performed CPR on him until medical professionals arrived six minutes later. Dr. Daniel is a board member of the American Heart Association in Puget Sound and the Chief Medical Informatics Officer of Optum Pacific Northwest and West Region. “By sharing CPR education with participants at the Heart & Stroke Walk, we empower thousands more to go from bystanders to lifesavers.” CPR, especially when performed immediately, can double or triple the chances of survival, according to the American Heart Association.
The Heart & Stroke Walk is the flagship community event of the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of promoting health and hope for all. The event benefits the community beyond educating participants about heart disease and strokes. Every dollar raised helps save lives by funding scientific research that can lead to medical breakthroughs, as well as programs that drive public health policy, establish medical care guidelines, and educate the community.
“Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the United States. The Heart & Stroke Walk is a meaningful way to make a positive impact and has always been a fun way to get moving with friends, family, or coworkers,” said Eddie Bratko, President of MultiCare Tacoma General and MultiCare Allenmore Hospitals, and co-chair of the 2024 campaign. Bratko is leading efforts to raise $1.5 million through the Puget Sound Heart & Stroke Walk, alongside co-chair Wade Hunt, President of MultiCare Pulse Heart Institute.
Participants can register for the Puget Sound Heart & Stroke Walk at PugetSoundHeartWalk.org. On the website, they can create a fundraising page, download the Heart Walk mobile app, invite family and friends to join, and take part in the Heart & Stroke Walk CPR Digital Experience to learn hands-only CPR in 90 seconds.
Heart disease and stroke survivors will be recognized at the walk with honorary red and white caps and a special finish line where they can ring a bell to celebrate their achievements. This year’s Puget Sound Heart & Stroke Walk is sponsored by CVS/Aetna, Delta Dental of Washington, MultiCare Health System, and Providence Health Plan.
Event Information
Seattle: Saturday, September 21 at Seattle Center near the International Fountain
305 Harrison St., Seattle 98109
Activities start at 7:30 a.m.; opening ceremonies at 8:45 a.m.; walk begins at 9:00 a.m.
3-mile and 1-mile options
Tacoma: Saturday, September 28 at Cheney Stadium
2502 S. Tyler St., Tacoma 98405
Activities start at 8:30 a.m.; opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m.; walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
3-mile and 1-mile options
For event information and registration, visit PugetSoundHeartWalk.org.
The American Heart Association is a tireless force dedicated to extending the life and health of all individuals. They are committed to ensuring health equity in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations and the efforts of millions of volunteers, they fund innovative research, advocate for public health, and share resources to save lives. The organization, headquartered in Dallas, has been a leading source of health information for a century. As they prepare for their second century of discovery and impact, their vision is to promote health and hope for all worldwide.
For media inquiries:
Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org
Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org
For public inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1
Visit heart.org and stroke.org for more information.
In conclusion, the Heart & Stroke Walk 2024 de Puget Sound is not just a walk for a good cause but a transformative event that empowers individuals to be lifesavers in their communities. Through education, fundraising, and physical activity, participants contribute to the fight against heart disease and strokes, ultimately saving lives and promoting healthier futures for all. Join the movement, take a step towards better heart health, and make a difference at the Heart & Stroke Walk.