Annual CSRA Heart Walk draws thousands to SRP Park

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)– A huge crowd gathered at SRP Park in North Augusta Friday evening to support the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk.

3,000 people joined from all over the CSRA. WJBF’s Avery van Dusen has more.

This year’s heart walk was a success with more than $400,000 raised. These donations will be used to advance heart health initiatives across the nation. Katherine Bonner is the Development Director at the American Heart Association.

“$400,000 goes right back into our community. That’s work that we get to do working in the nutrition space, working for CPR readiness, working on blood pressure awareness and management, and even going back into our research institutions so we can find out more about what causes these problems and how we can fix them in the long run.”

With these improvements, the American Heart Association is hoping for earlier diagnoses. Todd Maxwell is a survivor. He took part in Friday’s walk and describes how his diagnosis took him by surprise.

“About three weeks after my 44th birthday, I had to have open heart surgery. They found out that I had about 80 to 90% blockages. And a lot of my valves and arteries. And so with that, I had to basically go in quickly to open heart surgery and have a have what they call a cabbage.”

Todd expressed gratitude for the surge of support shown at today’s heart walk. Step by step, he has made his way to a full recovery.

“To be able to even do it, like the one mile walk so soon after my surgery, has been great. As it’s hard to put into words, honestly. I’m just grateful. I’m sweet for the people in my life, the people that have supported me since my surgery.”

Many celebrated while making strides to promote CPR education and vital research through community engagement. In North Augusta, Avery Van Dusen, WJBF Newschannel 6.