The annual Heart Walk event in Tampa Bay kicked off at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday morning, bringing thousands together to support heart disease awareness. The event, held at the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, began with festivities at 7:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 8:40 a.m., leading into the 9 a.m. walk.
Thousands Walk to Raise Awareness for Heart Disease
Thousands of participants laced up their shoes to raise awareness alongside the American Heart Association. News Channel 8’s anchor Stacie Schaible and other reporters joined the 3.1-mile walk and 1-mile Survivor loop. “As someone whose family has been deeply impacted by heart disease, being a spokeswoman for the Tampa Bay Heart Walk is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Schaible. “I wholeheartedly invite you to join my team or make a contribution – every dollar plays a vital role in saving lives.”
Celebrating Health, Wellness, and Survivorship
The Heart Walk is an opportunity to celebrate health, wellness, and survivorship while honouring loved ones lost. Nina Morgan, Executive Director for AHA in Tampa Bay, emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “One in three people are affected by some sort of cardiovascular disease.” She explained that the walk is not only about prevention but also about honouring those personally affected by heart disease.
Learning Life-Saving Skills: CPR and Heart Health Tips
Attendees also learned vital heart health tips, stroke prevention, and hands-on CPR training. Experts shared simple instructions for CPR, including checking if the person is breathing and starting chest compressions. Courtney Burt, VP of Community Impact, demonstrated how to perform the life-saving technique. “When you do the compressions, you do a simple follow the chin down, in line with the nipples,” she said. “Push hard and fast on the chest until EMS arrives.”
CPR Saves Lives: Derek Stock’s Powerful Story
Derek Stock shared his personal experience with CPR, explaining how it saved his son’s life. “Two and a half years ago, my son was struck by lightning in our boat and went into cardiac arrest. I’m just happy he’s here today,” Stock recalled. He encouraged everyone to get CPR trained, saying, “There’s a lot of what ifs, but I’m just thankful that CPR wasn’t a ‘what if,’ I was able to keep blood flowing.”
The American Heart Association’s 100th Anniversary
The American Heart Association celebrated its 100th year in 2024. Events like the Heart Walk continue to raise awareness for heart health, one step at a time. News Channel 8’s goal was to raise $50,000 this year, with contributions playing a vital role in supporting heart disease research and prevention.
Make a Difference: Join Stacie’s Team
To contribute to the cause, consider joining Stacie’s team or making a donation. Every step and every dollar counts toward saving lives and promoting heart health. WFLA initially published the story.
Are you on social media? Check out our profile for more local news! Follow @TampaLatest for up-to-the-minute updates in Tampa, Florida.
