News Summary
Nearly 20,000 participants gathered for the First Coast Heart Walk in Jacksonville, raising over $1.1 million for heart health initiatives. Organized by the American Heart Association, the event highlights the importance of community involvement in raising awareness about heart disease and stroke. Survivors shared inspiring stories, emphasizing the need for continued education and research. The funds generated will support vital programs and initiatives aimed at saving lives and improving heart health in the community.
Jacksonville, Florida – Nearly 20,000 people gathered at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds for the First Coast Heart Walk on Saturday, raising over $1.1 million to support heart health research and initiatives. This annual event, organized by the American Heart Association, aims to fund research efforts for individuals affected by heart disease and stroke.
The First Coast Heart Walk offered participants the choice of one- or three-mile routes, encouraging involvement from survivors, loved ones, and community members in a collective effort to celebrate life and promote health awareness. The funds raised during the walk will be allocated for crucial research, CPR training, and programs aimed at saving lives during cardiac emergencies.
The significance of the event was underscored by heart disease survivors like Olivia Bruce and Caitlin Brunell, who shared personal experiences with heart-related health issues. Olivia Bruce, who underwent atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair as an infant, highlighted the enduring impact of her surgery, showcasing her surgical scar as a symbol of her journey. Furthermore, statistics indicate that nearly three out of four cardiac arrests happen at home, emphasizing the need for robust community support and education around heart health.
Long-time participant Blake Hunter, who has truncus arteriosus, shared his experiences from the past decade attending this event. Having undergone his first heart surgery at just nine days old, he expressed the ongoing challenges faced by individuals living with heart conditions and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook as they navigate their health journeys.
The American Heart Association has emphasized the importance of awareness in identifying strokes. They recommend the acronym FAST to help the public recognize the signs. This educational outreach is pivotal in raising consciousness about heart disease and stroke, which are recognized as major causes of death in the United States.
Participants stressed the importance of educational initiatives and ongoing research to combat heart disease. One participant, Darian, voiced strong beliefs regarding the necessity of increasing awareness about cardiac health issues and the need for sustained research efforts. Similarly, University of North Florida student Addison Spell expressed that the event plays a crucial role in educating the community about heart health and supporting significant research endeavors.
For those unable to attend the First Coast Heart Walk in person, there remains an option to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving initiatives through online donations. This opportunity allows continued assistance toward fighting heart disease and stroke, reaching more individuals in need of support.
The success of the First Coast Heart Walk this year demonstrates the strong community spirit and commitment to health that exists in Jacksonville. With 20,000 participants and substantial funds raised, the event not only serves as a fundraiser but also as a powerful reminder of the importance of heart health initiatives in saving lives and advancing research.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: 2025 First Coast Heart Walk
- News4Jax: Nearly 20K People Participate in the First Coast Heart Walk
- News4Jax: I Walk to Save Lives – 2025 First Coast Heart Walk
- Wikipedia: Heart Disease
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stroke
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
